BASF is the world's leading 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 high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and products and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. BASF has approximately 95,000 employees, posted sales of €52.6 billion and EBIT of €6.8 billion in 2006.