Botash's merger approved

Initially, the Competition Commission recommended that the Tribunal prohibit the merger, owing to concerns that the change from a duopoly to a monopoly might result in price increases.

Currently, CAH supplies chemical grade salt through its subsidiary, Walvis Bay Salt Holdings. The other alternative supplier of chemical grade salt in Southern Africa is Botash, which produces chemical grade salt as a by-product of ash. However, the Commission decided that by implementing certain conditions,  it could remedy the competition concerns that arose from merger and ultimately changed its mind regarding the merger. Subject to the merger, Botash would supply any inland South Africa-based purchaser of unbagged and railed chemical grade salt for use in South Africa.