The tender offer had previously been scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Monday, February 6, 2006. BASF has been informed by The Bank of New York, the Depositary for the offer, that, as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 3, 2006, a total of 54,896 shares of Engelhard common stock had been tendered into the offer and not withdrawn. As a consequence of the extension of the expiration date, holders of Engelhard common stock may tender their shares until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Friday, March 3, 2006, unless the offer is further extended. BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The 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 intelligent solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2004, BASF had approximately 82,000 employees and posted sales of more than €37 billion. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com. | | |
BASF currently intends to solicit proxies for use at Engelhard’s 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, to vote in favor of BASF’s nominees identified in the preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and to vote on any other matters that shall be voted upon at Engelhard’s 2006 annual meeting of stockholders. On February 1, 2006, BASF filed a preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the SEC in connection with this solicitation of proxies. All Engelhard stockholders are strongly encouraged to read the preliminary proxy statement and the definitive proxy statement when it is available, because they will contain important information. Engelhard stockholders may obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement and related materials for free at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The identity of people who, under SEC rules, may be considered “participants in a solicitation” of proxies from Engelhard stockholders for use at Engelhard’s 2006 | | |