A forming apparatus for forming a base of a container

The invention relates to a forming apparatus (1) for forming a base (4) of a container (2) filled with a pourable product and closed with a closure element (3); the apparatus (1) comprises first conveying means (8), advancing the container (4) along a first path (P), upper retaining means (9), arranged above the first path (P) and cooperating in use with a top part (3) of the container (2) advanced by the first conveying means (8), and at least one deformation device (10), which is arranged below the first path (P), is advanced in use to follow the container (2) moving along the first path (P) and is configured to interact with said container (2) to deform its base (4); the first conveying means (8) comprise two parallel first linear conveyors (15) arranged side by side, defining a gap (16) therebetween and having respective horizontal linear transport branches (15a) lying in a common horizontal plane (Q) and configured to support respective opposite side portions (17) of the base (4) of the container (2); the apparatus (1) further comprises second conveying means (21) arranged below the first path (P) and configured to advance the deformation device (10) along a second path (R) having a linear operative portion (R1), which is parallel to the first path (P) and along which the deformation device (10) extends within said gap (16).