BASF Receives Over 90% of Engelhard Shares

Ludwigshafen, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

- BASF Announces Completion of Subsequent Offering Period

BASF Aktiengesellschaft (Frankfurt: BAS; NYSE: BF [ADR]; LSE: BFA;
SWX: AN) today announced the completion of the subsequent offering
period for the outstanding shares of Engelhard. As of 8:00 p.m. New
York City time on June 8, 2006, a total of 113,489,680 shares,
representing more than 90% of Engelhard's (NYSE: EC) outstanding
common stock, had been tendered into BASF's initial tender offer and
during the subsequent offering period.

BASF intends to complete the acquisition of Engelhard through a
merger of the acquisition vehicle, Iron Acquisition Corporation, into
Engelhard Corporation in which all Engelhard shares not tendered into
BASF's offer or during the subsequent offering period (other than
shares held in the treasury of Engelhard or held by BASF or any of
its subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive US$39
per share. Following the merger, Engelhard will be a wholly owned
subsidiary of BASF. Under applicable law, the merger is not subject
to the approval of the remaining Engelhard stockholders.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical
Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance
products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and
natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries,
BASF's intelligent system solutions and high-value products help its
customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and
uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines
economic success with environmental protection and social
responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2005, BASF
had approximately 81,000 employees and posted sales of more than Euro
42.7 billion. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in
Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN). Further
information on BASF is available on the Internet at
http://www.basf.com .

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All
statements contained in this press release that are not clearly
historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are
forward-looking, and the words "anticipate," "believe," "expect,"
"estimate," "plan," and similar expressions are generally intended to
identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on
current expectations, estimates and projections of BASF management
and currently available information. They are not guarantees of
future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are
difficult to predict and are based upon assumptions as to future
events that may not prove to be accurate.

Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or
achievements of BASF to be materially different from those that may
be expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include
those discussed in BASF's most recent Form 20-F filed with the SEC.

Michael Grabicki
Phone: +49-621-60-99938
Fax: +49-621-60-92693
michael.grabicki@basf.com
US media contact:
Rand Pearsall
Phone: +1-973-245-6820
Cell: +1-973-626-1786
Fax: +1-973-245-6714
rand.pearsall@basf.com
Analysts/Investors contact:
Christoph Beumelburg
Phone: +1-973-245-6013
Cell: +1-973-519-2981
Fax: +1-973-245-6714
christoph.beumelburg@basf.com

Web site: http://www.basf.com

ots Originaltext: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Michael Grabicki, +49-621-60-99938, Fax: +49-621-60-92693,
michael.grabicki@basf.com, US media contact: Rand Pearsall,
+1-973-245-6820, Cell: +1-973-626-1786, Fax: +1-973-245-6714,
rand.pearsall@basf.com, or Analysts/Investors contact: Christoph
Beumelburg, +1-973-245-6013, Cell: +1-973-519-2981, Fax:
+1-973-245-6714, christoph.beumelburg@basf.com