After months of negotiations, BASF has reached an agreement to acquire Cognis in a deal valued approximately $3.8 billion. The acquisition, which is subject to clearance by the merger control authorities, is expected to close by November 2010. “With the acquisition of Cognis, we are strengthening our portfolio with cyclically robust and profitable businesses and further expanding our position as the world’s leading chemical company,” said Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, chairman of the board of execu...