Manuchar to acquire CJP Chemicals in South Africa

Manuchar, a global leader in chemical distribution headquartered in Antwerp, has announced its agreement to acquire CJP Chemicals, a prominent South African distributor. This strategic acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2026, subject to antitrust approval.

CJP Chemicals, established in 1986, is a well-known supplier of industrial and specialty chemicals across South Africa. The company serves diverse sectors, including personal care, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, lubricants & energy, and industrial manufacturing. With operations in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, and Gqeberha, CJP employs approximately 170 staff and generates over $100 million in annual revenue.

Manuchar, with a global presence in over 40 countries, handles approximately 4.6 million tonnes of chemicals annually and reports sales of around $2.6 billion. The company has been operating in South Africa since 2003, and this acquisition will further strengthen its footprint in the region.

Benefits of the acquisition

The acquisition of CJP Chemicals will enable Manuchar to:

• Broaden its product portfolio to better serve high-growth markets.
• Enhance supply chain reliability and service quality.
• Expand its regional coverage across South Africa.

Executives from both companies, along with ChemFin, the majority shareholder of CJP Chemicals, have expressed optimism about the growth opportunities this deal will bring.

Laurent Pasqualini, CEO of Manuchar Group, says: “This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our strategy to strengthen our chemical distribution platform across key high-growth markets. By combining CJP Chemicals’ strong legacy in South Africa with Manuchar’s global reach, we will offer a truly comprehensive product portfolio – from core commodities to high value specialty chemicals.”

Karabo Radebe, MD of CJP Chemicals, adds: “Becoming part of the Manuchar Group marks an exciting new phase for CJP Chemicals. Its global reach, strong supply chain capabilities, and extensive product portfolio will reinforce our ability to serve customers with even greater reliability and depth. While we continue to operate with the same commitment and expertise, joining Manuchar provides us with the scale and backing needed to accelerate our growth in the South African market.”

A strategic move for growth

This acquisition aligns with Manuchar’s strategy to expand its global chemical distribution platform, particularly in high-growth markets like South Africa. By combining CJP’s local expertise with Manuchar’s global scale, the partnership aims to deliver enhanced value to customers across various industries.