OCP Group Seeks Full Control of Phosphoric Acid Producer EMAPHOS

Morocco’s OCP Group has announced plans to acquire the shares held by Chemische Fabrik Budenheim KG and Prayon S.A. in EMAPHOS, a producer of purified phosphoric acid, which would give OCP full ownership of the company.

OCP’s Move to Full Ownership of EMAPHOS

The proposed transaction is part of OCP’s strategy to expand its specialty phosphates business and strengthen its position in high‑value‑added phosphate applications, the group said.

EMAPHOS was established in 1996 at Jorf Lasfar and operates an industrial platform that serves markets including specialty fertilizers, food production, pharmaceuticals, and applications linked to the energy transition and batteries.

Its annual production capacity was initially set at 140,000 tonnes and was increased to approximately 300,000 tonnes in 2023.

Strategic Rationale and Market Impact

OCP said the planned acquisition would build on EMAPHOS’s existing industrial capabilities and support greater operational integration while preserving the company’s commercial relationships and market reach.

The deal is being led by OCP Specialty Products & Solutions (SPS), the group’s wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to specialty products. Upon completion, EMAPHOS will become a wholly owned subsidiary of OCP Group.

Prayon, in which OCP holds a 50 % stake, and Germany‑based Chemische Fabrik Budenheim will remain strategic commercial partners, maintaining their existing supply relationships with EMAPHOS.

OCP described specialty phosphates as a differentiated and fast‑growing segment of its portfolio, supported by specialised production capabilities and demand across a range of industrial applications.

Details of the Transaction and Future Outlook

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and applicable regulatory approvals, with completion expected in early 2027.