June 24/London/MarketWatch -- German chemicals giant BASF said it will acquire Cognis in a 3.1 billion euro ($3.8 billion) deal that will give the company a strong position in the health and nutrition business.
BASF said it will pay 700 million euros to Goldman Sachs' GS Capital Partners unit and private equity group Permira Funds. The rest of the deal's value comprises debt and pension obligations taken on by the chemicals group.