British group BP (turn-over USD 69.48 bn in the first quarter of 2004), will be separating off most of its petro-chemical activities, probably via a flotation on the stock exchange for at least 50% of the division's capital, estimated to be worth a total of USD 13 bn. A new company regrouping these "olefin" and derived products will be set up (7500 employees on 24 sites).