Manuchar to buy in South Africa

Antwerp-based chemicals distributor Manuchar has reached an agreement to acquire CJP Chemicals, one of South Africa’s largest chemical distributors. Terms were not disclosed and the deal should close in Q3, subject to regulatory approval and both sets of shareholders agreeing.

CJP distributes a broad range of industrial and speciality chemicals to markets including food and beverages, lubricants and energy, industrial manufacturing, personal care and pharmaceuticals. It has operations in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha, employs around 170 and has sales over $100 million/year.

Manuchar, which has been active in South Africa since 2003 said that this aligns with long-term growth strategy “to broaden its product portfolio, deepen its regional coverage and reinforce its leadership in serving customers across high-growth markets”.

This follows the previous acquisitions of Cosmoquímica and Cosmolog in Brazil in 2022 and a controlling stake in Proquiel Químicos in Chile in 2024. Cosmoquímica and Proquiel Químicos are both distributors in diverse send markets, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, water treatment, food and feed, home care and fertilizers, while Cosmolog specialises in logistic services.