Footprint & strategy

GROWTH STRATEGY

Regional expansion will leverage the Group’s already extensive footprint in Africa and other selected markets in developing countries will also be targeted for growth. South East Asia and Brazil are of particular interest.

AEL will commission three new plants in Africa in 2013. In addition, the investment in a nitric acid plant and an ammonium nitrate solution plant in Bontang, Indonesia, will provide in-country access to a secure source of ammonium nitrate. This will assist in sustaining AEL’s growth trend in the region.

In the specialty chemicals cluster, regional growth is being pursued in Africa in key markets that include mining; the water oil, gas and energy sector; agriculture; food production and preservation; and the personal and home care sectors.

Businesses will expand their areas of influence by partnering with their customers as they grow and by maximising the benefits of leading technology. In this regard ImproChem’s position subsequent to the acquisition of General Electric’s (“GE”) Chemical and Monitoring Solutions business in Africa was a noteworthy development in 2012.

Potential acquisitions in Brazil are being identified and they will be pursued in line with the Group’s risk/reward appetite, as will opportunities in other geographies.