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Germany's RAG Foundation could sell entire Evonik stake - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Germany's RAG Foundation could sell entire Evonik stake

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 30, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: September 30, 2026

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RAG Foundation Considers Full Sale of 43% Evonik Stake Amid BASF Interest

RAG Foundation's Stake in Evonik and Potential Sale

Current Shareholding and Previous Intentions

FRANKFURT, Sept 30 (Reuters) - RAG ​Foundation, the largest shareholder in Evonik, could sell its entire stake in the German chemicals manufacturer, it said on Wednesday.

• RAG currently holds around 43% of the shares in Evonik, and in the past, has stated its intention to reduce its holding to a blocking minority of 25.1%.

BASF's Interest in Evonik

• Competitor BASF has recently sought to take over Evonik.

Possibility of Complete Disposal

Foundation's Statutes and Sale Conditions

• “Under the foundation's statutes, a complete disposal of Evonik is possible,” the Essen-based foundation said on Wednesday in response to a query from Reuters.

• With the approval of the foundation's board of trustees, it would be possible to sell additional shares, up to and including a complete divestment, it said.

Board of Trustees Composition

• The board of trustees is dominated by politicians and trade union representatives.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Matthias Inverardi; writing by Tom Sims; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

Key Takeaways

  • RAG‑Stiftung holds around 43–44% of Evonik and could divest fully, beyond its previous goal of retaining a 25.1% blocking stake (rag-stiftung.de)
  • BASF has confirmed exploratory takeover discussions with RAG‑Stiftung and Evonik, though outcomes remain uncertain (basf.com)
  • RAG‑Stiftung’s governing statutes allow for full divestiture with board approval; its board includes political and union representatives (webdisclosure.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of Evonik does RAG Foundation currently own?
RAG Foundation currently holds around 43% of the shares in Evonik.
Is RAG Foundation planning to sell all its shares in Evonik?
Yes, the RAG Foundation has stated that selling its entire stake in Evonik is possible, pending board approval.
Who must approve the sale of RAG Foundation's Evonik shares?
The approval must come from the foundation's board of trustees.
What previous intentions did the RAG Foundation state about its Evonik stake?
Previously, RAG Foundation intended to reduce its holding to a blocking minority of 25.1%.
Has BASF shown interest in acquiring Evonik?
Yes, competitor BASF has recently sought to take over Evonik.

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