Botswana Ash (Botash) has announced approval by South Africa“s Competition Tribunal of its merger with Chlor Alkali Holdings (CAH).
CAH was chosen mainly due to its view of the future of Botash as w…
Botswana Ash (Botash) has announced approval by South Africa“s Competition Tribunal of its merger with Chlor Alkali Holdings (CAH). CAH was chosen mainly due to its view of the future of Botash as well as synergies between the companies“ products. In fact, CAH supplies chemical grade salt through its subsidiary, Walvis Bay Salt Holdings. Botash, a producer of chemical grade salt as a by-product of ash, is an alternative supplier of chemical grade salt in southern Africa. Botash will, as per the merger, supply inland South Africa-based purchasers unbagged and railed chemical grade salt for use in South Africa. Sasol, which was the only inland customer getting its chemical salt requirements from Botash before the merger, has now concluded a long-term supply agreement with the merging parties. CAH, controlled by Investec, plans to acquire a 50% shareholding in Botash from Anglo American, De Beers Botswana, AECI, FirstRand Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank. Once the transaction is concluded, Botash will be jointly owned by the Government of Botswana and CAH.