BASF acquires Belgian internet platform UBench

Pictured above from left: Dirk Tack (Site Manager BASF Waterloo), Marc Lens, Peter Verbraeken and Eric Proost (all UBench International),  Christina Ewringmann (Regional Key Account Management & Platform Business Development, BASF), Oliver Birk (Director Global Key Account Management & Director Platform Management, BASF) and Katja Scharpwinkel (Senior Vice President BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions Europe). © BASF Coatings

BASF has announced that it has acquired a majority share of the internet platform UBench with offices in Turnhout and Geel, Belgium. Both companies have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction. The transaction includes UBench International NV, CarRoll and DLight.

UBench and its more than 30 employees continuously advance the in-house-developed internet platform and manage the service portfolio for various customers in the automotive aftermarket, such as leasing companies, insurance companies, car manufacturers and companies with large fleets. 

“The transaction reflects BASF’s strategic and long-term commitment to grow in the refinish business beyond premium paint and to enhance customer experience,” said Dirk Bremm, President of BASF’s Coatings division.

“UBench is a collaborative digital platform business that increases our portfolio by providing service solutions,” said Katja Scharpwinkel, Senior Vice-President, BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions Europe. “By connecting all players in the automotive aftermarket industry, we strengthen our position in the fast growing automotive service segment.”

UBench will continue its current activities as a standalone business under the umbrella of the newly established UBench. Peter Verbraeken, founder and CEO of UBench, will hold a minority share supporting consistency and future strategic development of the business.

BASF's Coatings division is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings, decorative paints as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. It operates a collaborative network of sites in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific. In 2018, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about 3.86 billion euros.