> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # BASF considers €7 billion coatings unit sale to Carlyle due to energy costs - URL: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/basf-considers-7-billion-coatings-unit-sale-to-carlyle-due-to-energy-costs/ - Published: 2025-10-08T05:33:00.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-08T05:33:32.000Z - Author: Packaging Europe staff writers - Tags: Business, Collaboration, Subscriber Content, #layout-s, #type-article, #packaging-europe, #Import 2026-09-08 15:54 **Apparently,** [**BASF**](https://www.basf.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **is considering selling its coating business to** [**Carlyle**](https://www.carlyle.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **for around €7 billion – a move hoped to recoup funds in the wake of soaring energy prices.** As [reported](https://www.ft.com/content/326462cc-a28f-4f65-8729-0f0b56c6c45a?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) by the [Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), Carlyle succeeded over other private capital groups in an auction for the business unit and is now in ‘exclusive talks’ with BASF. A €7 billion sale is described as one of Germany’s largest transactions this year. Still, spokespeople [emphasize](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-06/carlyle-said-to-emerge-as-frontrunner-to-buy-basf-coatings-unit?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) the deal has not been finalized and could still fall through. [Other prospective buyers](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-06/carlyle-said-to-emerge-as-frontrunner-to-buy-basf-coatings-unit?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) include a rival consortium led by [KPS Capital Partners](https://www.kpsfund.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), as well as [Lone Star Funds](https://lonestarfunds.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), [Platinum Equity](https://www.platinumequity.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), and [Azko Nobel](https://www.akzonobel.com/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io). [European Coatings](https://www.european-coatings.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) argues that selling the business to an investor is the most likely option – claiming that a BASF Coatings insider shares the same view – due to simpler logistics, fewer long-term obligations, and greater flexibility. Whatever the outcome, BASF could still retain a minority stake as part of the agreement. Energy prices have caused concern across Europe. The Financial Times suggests that BASF has faced monetary strain since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with stock remaining low ever since – leading the company to [cut its dividend](https://www.ft.com/content/cf1f1c7a-85df-467d-a15e-c04d1569ca94?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) by a third in 2024 Its coatings division generated sales of [€3.8 billion](https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/carlyle-is-front-runner-buy-basfs-coatings-business-says-source-2025-10-06/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) last year, [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) says. Proceeds from a potential divestment are anticipated to help BASF buy back shares worth at least €4 billion between 2027 and 2028. In light of the sale, BASF is said to be approaching the market to explore strategic options for its ongoing coatings activities; a decision is expected by Q4 2025. This summer, [Siegwerk](https://www.siegwerk.com/en/home.html?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) announced that it would [purchase](https://packagingeurope.com/news/siegwerk-expands-packaging-coatings-with-allinova-acquisition/13221.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) specialty chemicals company [Allinova](https://www.allinova.nl/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) as part of its global growth strategy. Its portfolio includes adhesives, water-based dispersions, and wax emulsions – aligning with Siegwerk’s new global business unit for sustainability-minded packaging innovations. In other news, the [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index%5Fen?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) is investigating [Abu Dhabi National Oil Company](https://www.adnoc.ae/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)’s acquisition of [Covestro](https://www.covestro.com/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) in light of concerns that foreign subsidies, including an unlimited guarantee from the UAE and a committed capital increase by ADNOC into Covestro, could [distort the EU’s internal market](https://packagingeurope.com/news/eu-commission-fears-for-internal-market-as-uae-oil-company-acquires-covestro/13262.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io). It is also introducing the [Clean Industrial Deal](https://packagingeurope.com/news/what-does-the-packaging-industry-think-of-the-clean-industrial-deal/12531.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), which is anticipated to help energy-intensive industries pursue decarbonization. Where high energy costs are concerned, its [Affordable Energy Action Plan](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy%5Fen?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) is attempting to lower prices and bills. **If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:** [***The ultimate guide to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in 2025***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-packaging-and-packaging-waste-regulation-in-2025/12522.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) [***How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/report-how-are-the-top-brands-progressing-on-packaging-sustainability-in-2025/12614.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) [***Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation in 2025***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/report-the-ultimate-guide-to-global-packaging-sustainability-regulation-in-2025/12733.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) [***The key to increasing the use of reusable packaging in supermarkets***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-key-to-increasing-the-use-of-reusable-packaging-in-supermarkets/12700.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)