Clariant AG (Muttenz, Switzerland; www.clariant.com), has announced that it has signed an agreement to divest its Water Treatment business in Africa to AECI (www.aeci.co.za), of South Africa. The total sale amounts to CHF 34 million ($38 million) in cash at closing, which is expected by the end of the second quarter 2014. The transaction is subject to certain conditions, as well as regulatory approvals.
The Water Treatment business of Clariant provides chemicals, services and engineering solutions to a wide range of industries such as mining, automotive, food and beverage, metals and many others. It also serves municipalities. to ensure supply of drinking water in many African communities. In 2013, the Water Treatment business in Africa reported approximately CHF 41 million in sales. In total 210 employees in Africa are affected by the transaction.