MOUNT OLIVE, N.J.--Nov. 8, 2001--BASF announced today that its North American Printing Systems Group has formed an alliance with Heidelberg Canada Graphic Equipment Limited to distribute BASF's line of K+E Printing Inks in Canada. "This new and exciting relationship between BASF and Heidelberg enhances tremendously the support that each company can provide to our customers,'' said Pat Janssen, General Manager, Performance Chemicals for the Printing Industry. "Both companies have demonstrated their strong commitment to the graphic arts industry and the announcement today is further proof of that commitment. BASF's technology in printing inks combined with Heidelberg's expertise in printing is a winning combination, for both companies and our customers.'' Formation of this alliance will allow both BASF and Heidelberg to improve their distribution of printing inks and related products to major businesses in Canada. The alliance will also allow each company to focus on their respective strengths, offer a higher level of service to customers and achieve growth in the graphic arts industry. The benefits of this alliance include: * The synergy between existing product lines * Greater customer service and development of growth opportunities * BASF's comprehensive range of high performance printing inks and related products * Excellent technical expertise for the customer's benefit Since 1990 BASF's investment of over 400 million DM in research, technology, rationalization and international joint ventures, in addition to its recent expansion of Printing Systems in North America, demonstrate BASF's commitment to achieving leadership in growth markets. BASF, a world leader in the supply of commercial printing and packaging inks, exerts strong technical and manufacturing expertise as evidenced by its K+E line of high performance printing inks recognized the world over. A diverse range of K + E Printing Inks for sheet-fed and web offset printing, publication gravure and packaging, includes a new line of UV-curable and hybrid inks. BASF inks are available in cans, drums and novel plastic cartridges that afford less waste and offer a cleaner working environment. K+E Printing Inks are specially formulated to run on high speed and perfecting presses, while providing outstanding rub resistance and high gloss. BASF K+E inks are used in publication, commercial printing and specialty printing applications. BASF is the world's largest producer of chemicals and related products. Based in Mount Olive, New Jersey, BASF Corporation is the North American affiliate of BASF AG (Ludwigshafen, Germany) which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "BF.'' BASF Corporation had sales of $7.9 billion in 2000. BASF in North America employs more than 15,000 people at more than 50 locations. BASF Corporation can be found on the Internet at www.basf.com/usa.