Acquisition

Safic-Alcan Further Strengthens Its Presence in Southern Africa with the Acquisition of Southern Chemicals (Pty) Ltd

Published on November 28, 2025

Safic-Alcan announces acquisition of Southern Chemicals, enhancing its distribution capabilities and market presence across Southern Africa.

Paris-La Défense, September 12, 2023 – Safic-Alcan, a global distributor of specialty chemicals, is pleased to announce the acquisition of 100% of Southern Chemicals (Pty) Ltd, a leading South African distributor serving key specialty chemical markets across the region. This move marks a significant step in Safic-Alcan’s continued expansion in Southern Africa.

Founded in 1996 by Rod Proome, Southern Chemicals has earned a strong reputation for supplying high-quality industrial specialty chemicals and additives to sectors including polyurethane foams, industrial coatings, adhesives, and elastomers. With warehousing facilities in Durban, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, the company ensures reliable and efficient distribution throughout Southern Africa.

Strengthening Local Capabilities and Expertise

We are thrilled to welcome Rod Proome, Mike Formo and the entire team to the Safic-Alcan Group. We started our activities in South Africa in 2020, and the addition of Southern Chemicals will create a very strong platform for continued further growth.
Yann LissillourCEOSafic-Alcan Group

Southern Chemicals will maintain its own identity while benefiting from Safic-Alcan’s extensive global network and technical knowledge.

Not only will this new shareholding enhance product offering and technology support to our customers, but it will provide a strategic long-term commitment to our loyal supplier partners and growth opportunities for our employees.
Rod ProomeFounderSouthern Chemicals

About Safic-Alcan

Safic-Alcan is a French independent distributor of specialty chemicals headquartered in Paris La Défense (France). The Company develops and provides a wide range of polymers, materials and additives for the rubber, coatings, adhesives, thermoplastics, polyurethane, lubricants, detergency, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals industries. With 35 offices located across Europe, Turkey, the Middle East, North America, Mexico, South America, China, and South Africa, and 780 employees, Safic-Alcan generated 907 M€ in revenue in 2022. Learn more.

About Southern Chemicals

Southern Chemicals (Pty) Ltd., established in 1996, distributes industrial specialty chemicals and additives throughout Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region. As an independent company, it focuses on specialty materials and selected complementary industrial chemicals. With inventories maintained in Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town, Southern Chemicals serves major industries including polyurethane foams, adhesives, coatings, and elastomers.

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