WILMINGTON, Dec. (News release) -- Effective February 28, 2020, Solenis signed an agreement to acquire the paper business of ChemSystems, a division of AECI Ltd. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, ChemSystems produces and supplies specialized chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, paper and tissue manufacturing industries in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Until this acquisition, the business was Solenis' pulp and paper specialty chemical distributor in Africa.

"This is an excellent opportunity to continue to consolidate our channel to market after the recent successful merger of BASF's Paper and Water Chemicals business with Solenis." said John Panichella, president and CEO, Solenis. "We have had an exceptional working relationship with ChemSystems for many years and this acquisition will allow Solenis to directly provide value to pulp, paper and tissue markets in South Africa."

Mark Dytor, chief executive, AECI added, "Through ChemSystems, we have partnered with South Africa's pulp and paper customers for many years. Excellent relationships have been developed and I am certain that these will be enhanced further by Solenis."