Qalaa Holdings announced a joint venture between its subsidiary Taqa Arabia and BPs Castrol – called Castrol Egypt Oil – in a June 3 disclosure with the Egyptian Stock Exchange. Taqa owns 49 percent of the JV, which will manufacture and distribute Castrol engine oils in Egypt. United Kingdom-based Petrico, provider of speciality products – including components for lubricants and greases, and industrial additives and packages – into the petroleum and chemical industries, confirmed an alliance with Trans Europe Chemicals, supplier of chemicals and associated products based in the Czech Republic. The tie-up will enable the U.K. business to expand into new markets across Central Europe.