DARMSTADT, GERMANY – Merck announced today that it is selling its electrolytes business for high-performance batteries to BASF. The companies have agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction. 

 

The divestment encompasses the technologies and products for enhancing battery performance that Merck has developed, patented and in some cases brought to market. These include the complete line of finished electrolyte formulations that are marketed under the SelectiLyte® brand. Also included is a variety of additives for electrolytes used to produce lithium-ion batteries. The transaction additionally covers Merck’s respective research portfolio regarding novel electrolytes and additives. 

 

“The electrolytes business, which we have built over the years, is in the early phase of its commercialization and has little in common with our other Chemicals activities. In addition, it only meets a fraction of the overall needs of customers who manufacture batteries,” said Dr. Klaus Bofinger, Head of the Advanced Technologies unit, to which the divested business belonged. With its newly formed global Battery Materials business unit BASF is positioning itself as a solution-oriented partner to manufacturers of batteries. In this context the electrolytes business of Merck will represent an important element.