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Carlyle - BASF Coatings

Approved

Stage

Phase 1 - initial assessment

Effective Notification

27/11/2025

End of Determination Period

29/01/2026

Determination Published

18/12/2025 (21 cal / 15 bus. days)

Determination

Approved

Acquirers

Bond UK MidCo 4 Ltd

Jersey Financial Services Commission Registry 161931

Targets

BASF SE

HRB 6000

Description

The Carlyle Group Inc. (together with its controlled funds and affiliates, Carlyle) proposes to acquire sole control of BASF’s Coatings division (BASF Coatings) from BASF SE (the Seller), a German publicly listed chemical company. The Seller, through its wholly-owned direct subsidiary, BASF Handels- und Exportgesellschaft mbH, will reinvest in BASF Coatings, acquiring a 40% non-controlling stake on a look-through basis, and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), through its wholly owned investment-holding company, Qatar Holding LLC, will acquire a non-controlling stake of approximately 16% in BASF Coatings on a look-through basis at closing.

BASF Coatings is a global company which develops, produces and markets automotive original equipment manufacturer and refinish coatings, as well as applied surface treatments for various industries. The business operates in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia Pacific, including Australia.    The acquirer is Bond UK Midco 4, a corporate entity ultimately owned by investment funds managed by Carlyle, and which is controlled by Carlyle. Carlyle is a global investment firm with assets under management across three business segments: (i) Global Private Equity (including corporate private equity and real estate funds); (ii) Global Credit (including liquid credit, illiquid credit and real assets credit); and (iii) Carlyle AlpInvest (including primary, secondary, and co-investments, commingled funds, and separately managed accounts).

Commentary

Carlyle's acquisition of BASF's Coatings division was cleared by the ACCC. The transaction involves Carlyle acquiring sole control of BASF Coatings, with BASF retaining a 40% non-controlling stake. BASF Coatings develops and markets automotive coatings (for OEM and refinish applications) and surface treatments for various industries. The ACCC determined that:

  • there are no horizontal overlaps or vertical relationships between Carlyle's portfolio companies and BASF Coatings in Australia; and
  • while Carlyle has investments in some overseas industrial businesses complementary to BASF Coatings, these have neither operations nor a material customer base in Australia.

This merger was the first where the ACCC publicly assessed conglomerate issues under the new regime.

Updated 19/01/2026

Timeline & Events

  • Carlyle - BASF Coatings

    18/12/2025

  • Phase 1 - initial assessment determination: Approved

    18/12/2025

  • Questionnaire released for Carlyle acquisition of BASF Coatings

    27/11/2025

  • Merger notified to ACCC

    27/11/2025