Lanxess AG is a German specialty chemicals company based in Cologne, Germany that was founded in 2004, via the spin-off of the chemicals division and parts of the polymers business from Bayer AG.

In November 2004, the Extraordinary General Meeting of Bayer AG took place in Essen.

In 2016, the company began to focus on the market for additives for lubricants and fire retardants by acquiring Chemtura and placing its rubber business into a joint venture with Aramco.

[5][6][7] In February 2020, Lanxess acquired Brazilian biocide manufacturer Itibanyl Produtos Especiais Ltda.

[8] In July 2022, Lanxess completed its acquisition of International Flavors & Fragrances' microbial control unit for US$1.3 billion.