{
  "id": 12435048,
  "title": "Chemie: Nordrhein-Westfalens SPD drängt auf Staatsbeteiligung an Evonik",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/chemie-nordrhein-westfalens-spd-drangt-auf-staatsbeteiligung-an-evonik",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-06T17:38:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/uebernahme-nrw-spd-draengt-auf-staatsbeteiligung-an-evonik/100260188.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "The SPD party in North Rhine-Westphalia has submitted a motion to the state parliament calling on the government to prevent a takeover of the chemical firm Evonik by BASF. The government should examine ways to preserve the company's independence, with land ownership in Evonik not ruled out. Notable signatories include SPD faction leader Jochen Ott, who leads the largest opposition group. BASF was reported to be considering a merger with Evonik in late September, but the Evonik management subsequently withdrew the offer. The management believes a joint discussion should occur to address the issue, which has not happened before. The RAG Foundation, with a 44% stake in Evonik, is considered key, with former NRW Minister-President Armin Laschet as its chairman. Hendrik Wüst, the current Minister-President, is also a member. The SPD has lobbied for four small inquiries into the takeover and a strategy to present. The state's legal department has said it supports maintaining Evonik's independence but has not outlined specific political steps. The state government is closely watching the debates regarding jobs in North Rhine-Westphalia and the firm's future strategic development. Evonik employs over 11,000 people in the state and is seen as a \"driver for future technologies.\" The loss of up to 4,000 jobs could occur through a takeover. Ott has harsher words, calling it an \"unacceptable gamble for the future of the Ruhr region\" and warning Evonik could be \"devoured.\" The SPD proposes a joint ownership of \"50 percent plus X\" by the land and RAG Foundation, potentially costing around 800 million euros, making the land and RAG majority owners. RAG Foundation head Bernd Tönjes, however, remains skeptical, preferring to reduce his stake to 25.1%, as he has emphasized multiple times. He does not believe in a recovery of the European chemical sector. Wüst faces a difficult position as government leader, needing to care for industry in the Ruhr region, including Evonik, while acting as a curator for the RAG Foundation's interests. Wüst will face Ott in the NRW state elections in April, with Ott focusing on Evonik's future as his campaign theme.",
  "summary": "BASF hat angekündigt, den Chemiekonzern übernehmen zu wollen. Die SPD schlägt nun vor, der Staat könne Anteile übernehmen und die Übernahme so verhindern.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}