Brenntag, the global leader in chemical distribution, announced today that its South African joint venture Crest Chemicals Limited acquired the chemical distribution assets of CH Chemicals.

Formed in 1987 CH Chemicals markets a broad spectrum of commodity and specialty chemicals to an extensive range of industries such as coatings, industrial formulators, cosmetics, food & beverages and mining.

Michiel Vijverberg, Managing Director Crest Chemicals Ltd.: “This promising acquisition will strengthen our presence in the South African chemical distribution market. CH Chemicals has excellent and long-lasting relationships to world class suppliers, together with its broad range of products the company is an ideal complement to Crest Chemicals. We will expand our existing business units Food, Pharma & Personal Care, Paints & Coatings as well as the Industrial Division and will add the business unit Detergents & Chemical Formulators to our portfolio.“

Crest Chemicals, located in Midrand, South Africa, is a joint venture of Brenntag and Chemical Services Ltd. The company has a leading position in the South African distribution market and operates via five distribution centers in Midrand, Durban, East London, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

Brenntag recorded global 2008 sales of EUR 7.4 billion (USD 10.8 billion). Today the company operates in excess of 300 locations with more than 11,000 people in 64 countries. In keeping with the company’s strong position in world markets, Brenntag is committed to providing value to its customers and suppliers through superior supply chain logistics, single sourcing, technical assistance and other value added services. Brenntag offers an unrivalled, extensive and state-of-the-art distribution network for industrial and specialty chemicals to its suppliers and customers alike throughout the world.