Group 1 - BASF announced the sale of certain assets related to sodium metabisulfite to Silox, which includes intellectual property, specialized containers, production equipment, trade secrets, and trademarks [2] - Sodium metabisulfite is a key component in various industries, serving as a reducing agent in textile dyeing and a bleaching additive in pulp and paper applications [2] - Silox, a leading producer of sodium metabisulfite with over 70 years of experience, operates factories in Belgium, India, and Canada, and this acquisition will strengthen its core business [2] Group 2 - On March 2, BASF also announced the sale of its optical brighteners business to Catexel, with financial details undisclosed [2] - Optical brighteners are primarily used in laundry detergents and cleaning products, and the transaction includes BASF's global optical brighteners business and a production facility in Switzerland [2] - Approximately 80 employees will transition to Catexel as part of the business transfer, which is part of ICIG's platform for specialty chemicals [2] Group 3 - Both sodium metabisulfite and optical brighteners are considered mature traditional categories, and their declining added value due to increased market competition is misaligned with BASF's strategy to focus on high-growth, high-value-added businesses [3] - The sale of these businesses is a necessary step for BASF to optimize its business portfolio and enhance overall competitiveness [3]