Catexel expands Home Care portfolio with acquisition of BASF’s optical brighteners

Ludwigshafen and Wiesbaden, Germany – Catexel has completed the acquisition of BASF’s optical brightening agent business. Optical brightening agents are key ingredients in laundry detergent formulations. The transaction was finalized at the end of February 2026. Both parties agreed to keep the financial details of the transaction confidential.

The scope of the transaction includes the international business and the production of optical brighteners at the Monthey site in Switzerland. As part of the transfer, around 80 employees from the Monthey site have moved to Catexel. The site will continue to operate under the name Catexel Production Switzerland, ensuring continuity of production and quality.

This acquisition expands Catexel's portfolio in the Home Care sector, strengthens our ability to supply customers with high-quality, performance-oriented ingredients for modern detergents, and reinforces our long-term growth strategy.