Solvay SA, the Belgian drugs, chemicals and plastics maker, said it has bought Egypt's state-controlled Alexandria Sodium Carbonate Company.

Solvay SA was the preferred bidder for the firm after agreeing to pay 100 million euros ($135 million) for the producer of soda ash, a principal ingredient for glass.

'With this acquisition Solvay gains a privileged access to the very dynamic Egyptian market,' said Christine Tahon from Solvay's Strategic Business Unit, Soda Ash and Related Products.-Reuters