Agriculture
IPO Readiness of BASF Agricultural Solutions
Our Path to IPO Readiness
In September 2024, BASF announced its plan for a partial IPO (Initial Public Offering) of Agricultural Solutions as part of its “Winning Ways” strategy to unlock the value potential of the business. Since then, we are progressing on a clearly defined journey toward IPO readiness by 2027, strengthening our position as an independent, pure‑play agricultural company. This development supports our ambition for future growth, as set out in the BASF in Agriculture Business Strategy 2035, with a clear focus on customers, innovation, and people.
Building an Independent Agricultural Pure‑Play
To achieve IPO readiness, a new legal entity was established in the form of a European company (Societas Europaea – SE), which shall encompass all global entities of Agricultural Solutions. The SE structure offers stability and flexibility, reinforcing our commitment to capital market standards for subsidiary IPOs of German corporates.
To address capital market expectations, a market customary two-tier governance structure will be implemented at the Agricultural Solutions SE, with a Management Board and a Supervisory Board. Independent of this, as of May 1, 2026, the Management Board will assume responsibility for steering the business.
Our Commitment to Customers and Innovation Remains Unchanged
While we evolve our structure, our dedication to farmers, growers and partners remains unchanged. We will continue to deliver market-driven innovations across major crops globally and keep our high investment in research and development.
We are convinced that our integrated crop systems approach based on crop protection, seeds and traits, digital tools and sustainability offerings, is the right way to support our customers - so that they can produce sufficient and affordable food in times of growing world population, climate change, and globally different regulations.
FAQ: IPO Readiness
Focused Leadership for a Standalone Company
The new Agricultural Solutions Management Board led by Livio Tedeschi is committed to driving our strategy with focus and creating value for agriculture based on our integrated approach.
The Management Board and our entire Agricultural Solutions team stand fully behind our vision: For the love of farming, the biggest job on Earth.
This passion drives us every day - to innovate, grow and create value for farmers worldwide.
Dr. Livio Tedeschi
Head of the Management Board
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Responsible for overall leadership of the Agricultural Solutions business as it transitions toward IPO readiness.
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Since May 2026, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE.
Livio Tedeschi was born in Frosinone, Italy, in 1971. He studied Chemistry at La Sapienza University in Rome and earned his PhD in Organic Synthesis at RWTH Aachen. He completed postdoctoral studies at Imperial College London, United Kingdom, and holds an Executive MBA from ESSEC Business School, France, and Mannheim Business School, Germany. He also holds a Diploma in Piano from the Conservatory of Music “L. Refice” in Frosinone, Italy. Livio Tedeschi is married.
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Dr. Melanie Bausen-Wiens
Member of the Management Board, Technology
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Responsible for technology functions, she contributes deep expertise in regulatory frameworks and the development of innovations.
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Previously Senior Vice President Regulatory, Stewardship & Public Affairs at BASF Agricultural Solutions.
Melanie Bausen-Wiens was born in Simmern, Germany, in 1975. She holds a PhD in Neurobiology (Dr. rer. nat.) from the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, and a Diploma in Biology from the University of Mainz, Germany. She worked as a Postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg, Germany. Melanie Bausen-Wiens is married and has one child.
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