PITTSBURGH -- PPG Industries has acquired the business of Ducol Coatings South Africa (PTY) Ltd., which has served as an importer and distributor of PPG’s automotive refinish products in South Africa since 2003. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Ducol Coatings, based in Krugersdorp, northwest of Johannesburg, was formed in 1990 and has been active throughout South Africa and in Namibia.

“We are pleased with the acquisition of the Ducol Coatings business, as this investment illustrates PPG’s commitment to grow its coatings presence in the region,” said John Outcalt, PPG vice president, automotive refinish. “PPG now will be able to directly serve customers in the region with our high-quality, innovative automotive refinish products and our customer service, technical support and training programs.”

According to Outcalt, PPG will continue to use the Ducol brand, as well as Ducol Coatings’ former franchisee and distributor network, giving PPG access to a solid, proven distribution network in the growing South African and surrounding markets.

“PPG intends to continue Ducol Coatings’ strong track record of performance, and to capture future growth in the region’s automotive refinish coatings market,” Outcalt said.

Many of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers have a presence in South Africa, according to PPG, and over the next several years, the company anticipates that population growth and higher purchasing power will lead to more vehicle sales and increased demand for automotive refinish products.