EU Commission Approves Merger Between AkzoNobel and Axalta
The European Commission has approved the planned merger of paint and coatings manufacturers AkzoNobel and Axalta, subject to certain conditions. The merger is expected to create a global coatings company with annual revenue of approximately 17 billion U.S. dollars.
On November 6, 2026, the European Commission approved the proposed merger of AkzoNobel and Axalta, subject to certain conditions. The two paint and coatings manufacturers plan to merge through a stock-for-stock merger on an equal basis. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to further regulatory approvals. Following discussions with the European Commission, AkzoNobel and Axalta have agreed to divest AkzoNobel’s European automotive refinish business. This move is intended to address the European Commission’s antitrust concerns.
Global Coatings Group
The divestiture of the automotive refinish business will eliminate overlaps between the two companies’ activities in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. The European Commission did not identify any further competition concerns in other markets. The merger is expected to create a global coatings group with annual revenue of approximately $17 billion. The combined portfolio includes powder coatings, aerospace coatings, automotive refinish coatings, mobility coatings, marine and anti-corrosion coatings, as well as industrial and architectural coatings. Greg Poux-Guillaume, currently CEO of AkzoNobel, is set to take the helm of the merged company. Chris Villavarayan, CEO and President of Axalta, will become Deputy CEO. Both companies see the merger as an opportunity to combine their technologies and expertise, accelerate investments in new coating technologies, and strengthen their global market position.
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