From the Editor “Turning Points” is the theme of this year-end magazine as we gaze with equal measures of anticipation and alarm into 2014. opinion Special Report
The Past in Our Future The ghosts of repetition reside alongside the prophets of progress. opinion Special Report
Global Agenda In 2014 we’ll mostly be talking like pirates and growing mustaches. opinion Special Report
Our Compass Who are the moral leaders for these times? opinion Special Report
Cyber Subterfuge The Internet has lost its innocence: The virtual world is awash with espionage, malware and deception. opinion Special Report
Digital Passivity We have backed ourselves into a virtual corner. opinion Special Report
The World of Mars There are un-Earthly parallels between the exploration of the Grand Canyon 140 years ago and what is happening on Mars today. opinion Special Report
Power in 2030: The Roads We May Take How we manage the balance between conventional energy sources – oil, natural gas and coal – and renewables will shape our future. opinion Special Report
Art and Technology Four creators are using modern tools to push the boundaries of innovation. Here, they explain their work and its inspiration. opinion Special Report
Leaving Home Coming Home I have experienced exile from both perspectives: that of those who leave, and of those who say goodbye. Both are terribly emotional and sobering. opinion Special Report
Deep Cover In search of my original name, I came upon a greater mystery. opinion Special Report
Drug War No More A fundamental shift is underway in methods to combat narcotics. opinion Special Report
Women Rising We must move past the good intentions of the international community. The words that fill declarations and resolutions must be made real. opinion Special Report
A Force of 120 Million Being able to decide when to have children is central to fulfilling one’s potential. In the year ahead, many women will harness this power for the first time. opinion Special Report
Euro Marriage in Peril Are the differences between the euro zone’s shaky periphery and its more stable core too great to overcome? opinion Special Report
Do I Dare to Eat a Peach? Serge Schmemann moderates a discussion about aging with Sarah Harper, Babatunde Osotimehin and Ruby Wax. opinion Special Report
Fashion’s Latest Muse The creator of the wrap dress and other legendary designs talks about personal style in the age of technology. opinion Special Report
What’s So Funny? If you can’t make sense of 2013, just turn to the world’s comedians. opinion Special Report
La tour BASF à Ludwigshafen.

L'entreprise allemande BASF a annoncé lundi vouloir racheter le groupe de chimie bâlois Ciba pour un montant total de 6,1 milliards de francs d'ici à la fin du premier trimestre 2009. 

Cet annonce fait suite à la signature dimanche d'un accord entre les deux entreprises au terme duquel BASF garantit le maintien des activités de recherche et développement ainsi que des sites de production à Bâle et offre 50 francs par action. Cette offre représente une prime de 32 % par rapport au cours de clôture de vendredi et, selon le communiqué, une plus-value de 64,3 % par rapport à la valeur moyenne de l'action au cours des deux derniers mois.

Dans le communiqué publié lundi matin, le conseil d'administration de Ciba conseille aux actionnaires d'accepter l'offre, qualifiée d' , et nécessaire  du domaine de la chimie. Le président du groupe suisse, Armin Meyer, rappelle dans ce même communiqué que BASF est à la fois  et connaît donc bien à la fois l'entreprise et ses méthodes de travail.

Pour être acceptée, l'offre du groupe allemand devra rassembler deux-tiers des droits de vote.