Evonik's board officially rejected BASF's second and improved takeover offer of EUR 24 per share, valuing Evonik at approximately EUR 11.2 billion. Evonik intends to remain independent but is open to informal talks.

Stahl Group is set to acquire Weilburger Graphics, a coatings maker for flexible materials such as paper and cardboard, subject to the usual approvals. The deal strengthens Stahl's packaging coatings business in Europe and globally.

EQT is reported to be in talks to acquire Schülke, a German hygiene solutions provider, from Air Liquide. No deal has been announced and no value was given.

Indorama agreed in late December 2018 to acquire Invista's 282,000 metric-ton-per-year PET operation in Gersthofen, Germany, which makes industrial fibers and packaging resins.

Bayer sold a further 6.9 percent of Covestro shares for EUR 1 billion, reducing its direct stake to 24.6 percent and ending control via a control termination agreement effective September 30, 2017.

Henkel completed its acquisition of the Germany-based Sonderhoff Group, which makes foamed-in-place gasketing solutions and customised dosing equipment. The price was undisclosed.

PCI Augsburg GmbH completed its acquisition of the Thomsit and Ceresit brands from Henkel, after signing the agreement on September 14, 2016; the transaction required antitrust approval.