BASF announced today it has divested its imazamethabenz herbicide business outside of Europe to Nufarm Limited, which is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. The only imazamethabenz herbicide marketed by BASF in Canada is ASSERT(R), a crop protection product developed to help control weeds in wheat and barley.

This transaction is part of BASF Agricultural Products' strategy to concentrate on its innovative portfolio and divest mature products to companies, such as Nufarm, that specialize in particular market segments and that can pursue these businesses with a dedicated strategy. Both companies have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction.

With sales of (euro) 3,354 million in 2004, BASF's Agricultural Products division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve yields and quality of agricultural crops. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF's Agricultural Products division is to be the world's leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population.

Nufarm Limited is an Australian-based company, headquartered in Melbourne, with strong capabilities in chemical synthesis, sales and marketing. Through a global network of manufacturing and formulation facilities, Nufarm specializes in crop protection and has a number of industrial, fine and performance chemicals businesses. Nufarm employs more than 2,500 people at its various locations in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. Further information can be found at www.nufarm.com.

(R) ASSERT is a registered trademark of BASF.
Always read and follow label directions.