MBO FAQs
BASF Forward AM’s leadership, led by CEO Martin Back, has acquired BASF’s Additive Manufacturing (AM) business and formed Forward AM Technologies, the only global independent full AM portfolio provider. Also known as Forward AM, this strategic acquisition aims to enhance customer support, accelerate innovation, and improve market responsiveness. It reaffirms the market opportunity in additive manufacturing and reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality AM solutions. All solutions and services will continue to be provided to our strong customer base across the globe.
Q: With the MBO, will the current Leadership Team remain in place and who will be the CEO of the new organization?
A: Our current CEO Martin Back, who has been leading the company for the past two years, is a long-term experienced Venture Company Manager and has led Forward AM to reach strong performance goals along with a consistent 30% annual growth rate. He will remain as CEO of the new business and the current Leadership Team will remain in place as the company moves through this transition.
Q: Are there benefits to Forward AM becoming its own entity and should I be concerned about BASF and Forward AM parting ways?
A: There are numerous benefits to this strategic buyout decision. First, it reinforces our strong commitment to innovation and cutting-edge solutions which are driving our focus on continuing to increase our annual growth rate. Second, it is designed to enhance our market responsiveness ensuring that we continue to consistently and seamlessly deliver high-quality AM materials solutions. We are ready and able to meet industry demands. There should be no immediate cause for concern and your account manager or the many experts at Forward AM are available to help you navigate this transition.
Q: When will the new organization contact and bank information be available to vendors and customers?
A: It is available now. Below you will find all this information:
- Company Name: Forward AM Technologies GmbH
- Company Address: Speyerer Strasse 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Invoicing Address: Speyerer Strasse 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Email Addresses for electronic invoices or general inquiries: [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]
- Commercial Register Number: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, HRB 262399 B
- Tax Registration ID: 32/019/26711
- VAT ID: DE368417125
- EURO Bank Account: VR Bank Rhein-Neckar eG, DE10 6709 0000 0098 4843 02, GENODE61MA2
Q: Is there additional information I should know about how the new organization will be identified?
A: The new organization will be known as Forward AM Technologies or Forward AM. It should be noted that there will be one week, in both Germany and the Netherlands, where the organization will be briefly identified as “AM Technologies” as a transitional solution until the name of “Forward AM Technologies” becomes the official one.
Q: What assurance can you provide regarding continuity of service?
A: The team at Forward AM has strategically built a business that is well-prepared to meet all existing and future demands. This planned approach will ensure that all our innovative materials and solutions are available for immediate use and distribution. We hold all IP rights to our products and services guaranteeing that we maintain full control over our production and supply. This will allow us to continue to grow the business and meet expected higher demand for AM materials and solutions.
Q: Will there be updates to BASF email addresses?
A: In the upcoming days or weeks, our email addresses will be updated to the new scheme of [email protected]. Please note the following information for this transition:
- New Email Address — The new email address format will be effective within the upcoming days or weeks. We will communicate beforehand before any changes are implemented.
- Old Email Reception — The current @basf-3dps.com emails will still be available for receiving emails.
Q: What will happen to the BASF branded materials that distributors have?
A: These materials will be phased out over time and replaced with Forward AM branded materials.
Q: What will happen with the BASF Forward AM brand and will support materials change?
A: Brand changes will happen gradually throughout the rest of the year, and we will establish the new Forward AM brand by the end of 2024.
Q: Is there additional information on the new organization that I should know?
A: More information regarding the MBO process and transition will become available in the weeks to come.
Q: Will my current account manager continue to be available to talk to us?
A: Current account managers will continue to be available to support you and business will continue as usual.
Q: How will purchase orders and accounts receivable work across the regions?
A: For your convenience, all purchase orders have been transferred and will be used for deliveries. We ask that you set up “Forward AM Technologies GmbH as a vendor in your system and settle all payments with the new account beginning on July 1, 2024. BASF 3D Printing Solutions B.V. in the Netherlands will continue to operate in the same set-up (VAT number, bank account, etc.), however will be renamed into Forward AM Technologies Netherlands B.V. in the next few weeks. Your already placed purchase orders will be delivered as confirmed and no further action on your side is needed. The 3D businesses in China, France, and the United States are intended to transfer over this year after all required approvals by the respective authorities will have been received.
Q: What will happen with our existing contracts and/or agreements?
A: Existing contracts will be fulfilled without change by the new organization.
Q: Will BASF branded logo agreements be affected?
A: Regarding contracts or agreements for the utilization of the BASF logo, changes will have to be made as this logo will need to be phased out over the remainder of the year. Detailed questions should be addressed with your account manager.
Q: Will there be changes in pricing for materials or services?
A: While we cannot make price guarantees, there are no plans to alter our pricing during the transition phase or in the foreseeable future. For more detailed questions regarding pricing, please reach out to your account manager.
Q: When do I pay invoices to the new organization? If available, can I get better terms? (i.e. 60 days, 90 days, etc.)
A: You are required to make payments to the bank account of the invoice issuing organization. Currently we are not offering better terms.
Q: Are there any notable changes that customers should be aware of regarding billing or terms?
A: There are no notable changes to billing or terms. Invoices should be paid to the account of the invoice issuing organization based on the payment terms shown on the related invoice.
Q: Will Forward AM maintain the same quality standards and certifications that were required under BASF?
A: You can be assured that Forward AM will maintain the highest levels of quality and service that you have come to know and expect from both our materials and our team of experts. We are centrally positioned as the only independent, full AM portfolio provider and remain committed to delivering superior and reliable 3D printing solutions while still maintaining the high standards and certifications that were set and achieved under BASF.
Q: Who will handle any warranty or other claim based on legal requirements?
A: Forward AM stands behind the quality and performance standards of all our materials. If there are any concerns or questions related to specific claims, please reach out to your designated account manager and your request will be handled in a timely manner.
Q: Will there be any changes regarding production and quality control? Will R&D remain on track?
A: There will not be any major changes regarding production, and we will maintain our exacting standards for quality control. Forward AM will continue to move forward with research and development projects as we seek to bring more innovative products to the market along with implementing smarter manufacturing processes. All projects are slated to remain on track, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnerships with other industry leaders.
Q: Will there be any impact on the product supply chain and getting materials to us? Will there be changes to delivery times or availability?
A: There will be no changes in the product supply chain. Depending on the region in which you are located, it may be a different legal entity that will become your business partner after a certain period. You can continue to expect the same consistent service you have received from Forward AM in the past.
Q: Will the packaging change for your materials? If so, when will that change occur?
A: The packaging of our materials will change as we transition from the BASF brand to our own independent Forward AM brand. We will begin this process immediately, but we anticipate this gradual process of updating current stock to affect packaging throughout 2025 and 2026. But note that existing stock can be sold without any limitation with current branding.