Gapuma Group and Tri-Chem Trading Join Forces to Accelerate Growth in African Chemical Distribution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 June 2026
London / Johannesburg – 8am/9am
Gapuma Group, the London-based multinational commodities company serving customers through its warehousing and distribution network, today announces a strategic partnership with Tri-Chem Trading (Pty) Ltd, a fast-growing South African importer, exporter, trader and distributor of commodity and specialty chemicals. Gapuma has acquired an equity stake in Tri-Chem, with the company’s founding leadership retaining its stake and continuing to lead the business.
The announcement comes as both companies meet at the African Coatings Show in Sandton, Johannesburg, and reflects a shared ambition to bring greater value and opportunity to customers across South Africa and the wider continent.
Tri-Chem Trading supplies commodity and specialty chemicals across mining, coatings, industrial, water treatment, manufacturing and agriculture. Its leadership brings 35 years of combined industry experience, with established supplier networks, long-term customer relationships and a reputation for commercial excellence. The business is built on reliable and cost-effective sourcing, strategic distribution and end-to-end supply chain support.
Jack Bardakjian, Founder and CEO of Gapuma Group, said:
“Tri-Chem has built something with real momentum: the right supplier relationships, the right customer base and a disciplined approach to a competitive market. Our role is not to change what works, but to give the team the sourcing depth, supply chain infrastructure and financial backing to grow faster and serve customers better. This is precisely the kind of partnership we look for in Africa.”
Chris Arnison, Founder and Director, Tri-Chem Trading, said:
“Joining forces with Gapuma strengthens everything we set out to build. Their international supply agreements, manufacturing networks and market intelligence complement our knowledge of the South African and African markets. Together we can secure more competitive supply, expand sustainably across the continent and bring greater value and opportunity to our clients.”
The partnership strengthens Tri-Chem’s financial stability and growth capacity, enhances its access to competitive international supply agreements and local and global manufacturing networks, and supports sustainable expansion across African markets. Gapuma brings to the partnership its global sourcing network, spanning more than 50 countries, and its established expertise in procurement, logistics and supplier development across Africa, Asia and Europe.
Current management and staff remain fully in place. Day-to-day operations continue under the same leadership, with planned growth in commercial and technical capabilities to follow.
About Gapuma Group
Founded in London in 1999, Gapuma Group is an award-winning sourcing, procurement and logistics specialist with global reach. The Group sources products from more than 30 countries and delivers to over 50 countries worldwide, with particular depth of experience across Africa. Operating from its London headquarters, Gapuma serves clients across multiple sectors, including industrial, chemical, agricultural and energy, managing every link in the global supply chain from procurement and finance to logistics and final delivery.
About Tri-Chem Trading (Pty) Ltd
Tri-Chem Trading (Pty) Ltd is a South African-based importer, exporter, trader and distributor of commodity and specialty chemicals, serving South Africa and the broader African market. The company focuses on reliable and cost-effective sourcing, strategic distribution, end-to-end supply chain support and long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. It serves the mining, coatings, industrial, water treatment, manufacturing and agriculture sectors, with leadership drawing on 35 years of combined industry experience.
For media enquiries:
Gapuma Group Limited – shahab@gapuma.com
Tri-Chem Trading (Pty) Ltd – stefan@trichem.co.za