BASF names Dowd and Guild Inc. distributor in western states
Assignment covers Performance Chemicals for Coatings, Plastics and Specialties

MOUNT OLIVE, N.J., August 15, 2003 – BASF Corporation is announcing the appointment of Dowd and Guild Inc., a specialty chemical distributor with corporate headquarters in San Ramon, Calif., as a distributor for the BASF Performance Chemicals for Coatings, Plastics and Specialties business unit covering Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The appointment is effective immediately.

In those states, Dowd and Guild Inc. will have responsibility for promotion and distribution of BASF's broad line of colorants and related additives for coatings, plastics and specialty applications, which includes a full line of organic and inorganic pigments, effect pigments, preparations, UV absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS).

Customers may reach Dowd and Guild Inc. as follows:
· General Customer Service, (800) 959-8222
· Northern California, (925) 820-7222
· Southern California, (562) 483-4188
· Pacific Northwest, (206) 575-3805

Dowd and Guild is on the internet at www.dowdandguild.com.

BASF: Helping Make Products Better™
BASF is the world's leading chemical company, offering its customers a range of high-performance products, including chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as crude oil and natural gas. Its distinctive approach to integration, known in German as "Verbund," is its strength. It enables BASF to achieve cost leadership and gives the company a competitive advantage. BASF conducts its business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2002, BASF had sales of $34 billion and more than 89,000 employees worldwide. BASF Corporation is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. In North America, 2002 sales were approximately $8.2 billion and the company employs approximately 12,000 people. For more information or to receive news releases by e-mail, visit, visit www.basf.com/usa.

For more information, contact:
Bill Pagano
BASF Corporation
Tel: (973) 426-2139
E-mail: paganow@basf.com