July 02, 2025

Adhesive Technologies to further strengthen its business in South Africa through strategic acquisition

Henkel acquires South-African based Nordbak

•	Further expansion of growth platform for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions in fast-growing emerging market
•	Strengthen position and capabilities in mining and infrastructure sectors
•	Long-term commitment to local manufacturing, sustainability and technical expertise in the region

Johannesburg, South Africa – Henkel has acquired the South Africa-based Nordbak (Pty) Ltd ("Nordbak"), a specialist provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions with a strong foothold in mining, infrastructure, and industrial segments. With a broad product portfolio, a proven customer base, and deep application know-how, Nordbak significantly strengthens Henkel’s MRO offering in a strategically important and fast-growing regional market.

The acquisition aligns with Henkel’s global growth strategy in the Adhesive Technologies business unit and reflects a key milestone in expanding its footprint in emerging markets. It enables the company to accelerate its presence in South Africa – a region with strong demand for high-performance repair and protection technologies in critical industries.

Henkel aims to leverage Nordbak’s established position in the South African MRO market – particularly within the mining sector – by combining application expertise, complementary technologies, and a strong local presence. 

“This acquisition marks a new era of growth and innovation for both Henkel and Nordbak,” said Arash Radgoudarzi, Country President of Henkel in South Africa. “It is a strong strategic fit to our global MRO platform. By combining international sustainability standards and technological expertise with Nordbak’s customer proximity and industrial insight, we will deliver added value to our customers and contribute to protecting and extending the life of critical infrastructure across South Africa.”

The acquisition also underscores Henkel’s long-term commitment to the South African market by investing in local manufacturing capabilities, developing regional technical expertise, and supporting industrial resilience through innovation. As part of this commitment, Henkel will also work toward aligning operations with international sustainability standards, promoting responsible growth and environmental stewardship across its value chain.

Nordbak employs around 105 people and operates a localized production and service network across South Africa, including sites in Wadeville, Kathu and Phalaborwa. The company offers innovative maintenance and repair products including abrasion- and acid-resistant linings, epoxy-based crusher backing, metal repair and grouting compounds, and corrosion protection coatings. These solutions, marketed under the NORDBAK® brand, play a key role in extending asset life and ensuring operational efficiency in industries such as mining, petrochemical, and mineral processing in South Africa.

“Joining the Henkel family marks an exciting new chapter for Nordbak,” said Mark Beyl, CEO/Managing Director of Nordbak South Africa. “We are proud of our legacy in South Africa’s MRO industry. This acquisition allows us to continue serving our customers with excellence, while unlocking new innovation capabilities, global reach, and a strong focus on sustainability.”

The transaction is closed and completed. The companies agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction. 

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com 

About Henkel South Africa
Henkel South Africa was established in 1951 and has since grown with almost 200 employees. In South Africa, Henkel operates one plant for Adhesive Technology products in Johannesburg and three offices in Bedfordview (Johannesburg), Alrode (Johannesburg), and Durban, and covers both global business units: Consumer Brands and Adhesive Technologies. In line with the company’s focus on innovation and customization, Henkel South Africa offers locally relevant leading products that cater to the country’s specific needs and position Henkel as a key player, particularly with top brands in textured hair care such as Got2b Glued and Consumer Adhesives such as Pritt - the leading glue stick brand with Henkel South Africa being in the top 3 of most Pritt sticks sold globally - as well as customized Adhesive products for the automotive mining and cementing industry. In 2007, the Henkel South Africa team collaborated with a local NGO to build a center for children and created a space for early learning and development to give back to those in need. Through donations and volunteer work from Henkel employees and Henkel South Africa, 120 children from ages three to five every year now have a place to learn at Tamaho Early Learning & Development Center, Katlehong, Johannesburg. A second building is currently being established that will allow an additional 120 children each year to access a learning environment.

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press

Contact	Sebastian Hinz	
Phone	+49 211 797 – 85 94	
Email	sebastian.hinz@henkel.com	

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA