Specialised chemical services company Omnia, which provides customised solutions in the agricultural, mining and industrial chemical markets, last week announced that it has acquired the largest distributor and trader of chemicals in South Africa, the Prochem Group, for R542-million together with the assumption of about R76-million in interest-bearing debt.

Prochem is the major distributor for a number of domestic and international companies, representing many of the world's leading chemical firms.

The acquisition will provide Omnia with a more diversified portfolio of businesses, with a better balance between the agricultural and chemical interests.

Prochem has a number of well-known brands in its stable, namely Protea Chemicals, Chempro, Montan Chemicals and Duravin Chemicals. Prochem also owns 50% of a small chemical distribution business in Zimbabwe.