A consortium led by European polymer distributor Ravago (Arendonk / Belgium; www.ravago.com), through its South African affiliate Plastomark, is set to acquire the plastics division of Sentrachem, a wholly owned South African affiliate of Dow Chemical (Midland, Michigan / USA; www.dow.com) for an undisclosed sum. The transaction is subject to approval by both the Dow and Ravago supervisory boards and South African competition authorities. Final transfer of ownership is expected to take place by December 2006.

Sentrachem´s plastics division manufactures, markets and sells PP and HDPE. Plans foresee the 240-member workforce at the Sasolburg manufacturing site and Bryanston offices, both in South Africa, transferring to the new company. Plastomark is currently distributor for the plastics division of Sentrachem, which was established in 1972 as a polyolefins joint venture of Sentrachem and Hoechst. Dow acquired the business in 1997.