Manuchar acquires 50% stake in Anorel (Pty) Ltd. in South Africa
Manuchar increases footprint for crop nutrition in Southern Africa by joining forces with Anorel (Pty) Ltd.
Cape Town, South Africa. March 22nd 2023. Manuchar, a leading distributor of chemicals in emerging markets with headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium, announces it has reached an agreement for a joint venture with Anorel (Pty) Ltd. in Southern Africa. This joint venture fits Manuchar's ambition to strengthen its leading chemical distribution platform and broaden its product portfolio.
Anorel (Pty) Ltd., located in Cape Town, South Africa, distributes a wide variety of fertilizers. Over the past 23 years, Anorel (Pty) Ltd. has established valuable and long-term relationships with its customers in South Africa. By joining forces with Anorel (Pty) Ltd., Manuchar will have an excellent platform to further develop its activities in the distribution of fertilizers to the high-precision agricultural industry in Southern Africa.
Manuchar employs 2,600 employees worldwide. From its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium, it operates a local chemicals distribution network across North & Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Manuchar has been present in South Africa since 2003. Manuchar South Africa’s 97 employees are based in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
The closing of the agreement between Manuchar South Africa and the shareholder of Anorel (Pty) Ltd. is foreseen in the 2nd quarter of 2023, subject to antitrust approval.
Steven Atkinson, Country Manager Manuchar South Africa: “Manuchar South Africa already has a strong presence in Home Care, Fabric Care, Personal Care, Human Nutrition, Animal Nutrition, Water Treatment and Textile. Over the past years we have also developed our Crop Nutrition business. By joining forces with Anorel (Pty) Ltd. we will accelerate our growth in Crop Nutrition, bringing even more products and benefits to our customers and suppliers. We have a great fit with Anorel (Pty) Ltd.’s management. They share the same values as us, and demonstrate the same entrepreneurial spirit.”
Mark Jacobs, Region Manager Africa Manuchar: "We are excited to partner with Anorel (Pty) Ltd., a company with a strong track record of knowledge and entrepreneurship in the distribution of Crop Nutrition products in South Africa. This joint venture will support the further growth of our Crop Nutrition business as one of the pillars of our group strategy and highlights the tremendous growth potential in the African market."
Steven Cafmeyer, CEO Anorel NV in Belgium and owner of Anorel (Pty) Ltd.: “Anorel is specialized in water-soluble fertilizers and biostimulants. We passionately research and develop new technologies resulting in a wide range of innovative products meeting the needs of the water-soluble fertilizer industry. Manuchar brings its global logistical and commodity procurement strengths to complement Anorel (Pty) Ltd. in a specialized joint venture serving the needs of a diverse South African Market. We are looking forward to partnering with Manuchar enhancing our mutual offerings of services and solutions to the horticultural market in Southern Africa.”
Oscar Cafmeyer, M.D. Anorel (Pty) Ltd.: “Since I moved from Belgium to South Africa four years ago, together with the support from the Belgian HQ Anorel NV, we have experienced strong growth in the South African market. We are very proud to partner with Manuchar, a leading chemical distributor. Building on each other’s strengths will enable us to accelerate our growth and allow us to become a reference in the South African fertilizer market.”
