Evonik stock faces BASF standoff as board keeps talks closed

ISIN: DE000EVNK013
Ticker: EVK.DE
Quote: 20.76 euros on Lang &amp; Schwarz, November 2, 2026, 18:04 CET
Xetra close: 21.04 euros on Friday, October 30, 2026

Published on 11/02/2026 at 18:08 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Evonik stock faces a renewed BASF standoff after the board rejected formal negotiations. A confidential information exchange remains possible.

Evonik Stays Independent For Now

Evonik's board rejected formal takeover negotiations with BASF.
The company remains open to a confidential exchange of information.
The RAG Foundation and North Rhine-Westphalia's government minister oppose a takeover.

Evonik, DE000EVNK013, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Evonik's board rejected formal takeover negotiations with BASF on Friday, October 30, 2026, while leaving open a purely informational and confidential exchange. The decision keeps the specialty chemicals group focused on its independent strategy rather than opening a sale process.

European Coatings reported that BASF's second and improved offer was rejected after Evonik reviewed a letter dated October 22. The report said the proposal offered 24 euros per share and included commitments covering employees and locations. Evonik's board nevertheless declined to enter negotiations.

What Changed Since The Last Report

The latest development adds a political and shareholder dimension to the standoff. North Rhine-Westphalia's economy minister Mona Neubaur rejected a takeover, while the RAG Foundation holds about 43 percent of Evonik's shares, according to European Coatings.

The distinction between information-sharing and negotiations is material for shareholders. BASF can use the confidential channel to explain its rationale, but Evonik has not agreed to discuss transaction terms. That leaves the takeover prospect unresolved and keeps the standalone strategy at the centre of the investment case.