Eggert Voscherau, Vice Chairman of the Board and Industrial Relations
A milestone in BASF’s history will be the conversion from the German legal form (Aktiengesellschaft or AG) into a European Company (Societas Europaea or SE). Although this may not be at all obvious for many, BASF’s new legal form is an affirmation of Europe and will help achieve a breakthrough. As a European company with a powerful base here in Ludwigshafen, we do indeed have many stages ahead of us in the reformation process, which will last a year or so. Nonetheless, I’m optimistic that we have set out on the right path and that our employees and shareholders will see this too. After all, looking back at the steady development of our internal structures in Europe over recent years, we are taking another logical step. We have made ourselves fit for competition every step of the way; we have not hesitated, but have been active in the shaping process!
Today BASF is as competitive as it has rarely been in its over 141-year-old history. This is proven by the latest figures published. Europe - today with practically a single currency and only very few trade barriers - has also helped us become strong. So it is only right that we want to make a contribution to strengthen the European ideal and to continue investing in living social partnership.
back
