Staff Writer
AkzoNobel and Axalta announced they’ve entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals, creating a premier global coatings company with an enterprise value of approximately $25 billion.
The combination brings together two coatings industry leaders with complementary portfolios of highly regarded brands to better serve customers across key end markets and enhance value for shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders. Anchored in both companies’ proud histories and broad expertise, the combined business will have a highly attractive financial profile, industry-leading innovation capabilities, and a balanced global footprint spanning over 160 countries to bring global capabilities to local customers.
The combined company will be well-positioned to drive substantial growth and shareholder value creation, building on 2024 revenues of approximately $17 billion and $1.5 billion in pro forma Adjusted Free Cash Flow. The combination is expected to drive identified and actionable run-rate synergies of approximately $600 million, 90% of which are expected to be achieved within the first three years following the close of the transaction.
Greg Poux-Guillaume, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Management of AkzoNobel, commented: “We’re excited to enter a new chapter in our long and proud history as a leader in the paints and coatings industry. This merger will allow us to accelerate our growth ambitions by bringing together highly complementary technologies, expertise, and passionate people to unlock our full combined potential. I’m excited to lead our talented teams in bringing the best of both companies to our customers and shareholders, delivering outstanding value to both.”
Ben Noteboom, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AkzoNobel, added: “This combination represents a compelling opportunity. It’s a great value proposition for all our stakeholders, both in the Netherlands – where we maintain our domicile – and internationally, including our shareholders, customers, and employees. It will create a world leader in coatings and is a significant step that will drive sustainable growth and allow us to better serve our customers. By uniting two world-class organizations, we’re creating a strong platform for the future, built on a solid foundation of shared values and heritage.”
Chris Villavarayan, CEO and President of Axalta, stated: “We are pleased to enter into this transaction with AkzoNobel and join our best-in-class platforms to enhance innovation, develop new capabilities, and further strengthen customer relationships. As our industry continues to grow and evolve, this combination with AkzoNobel enables us to do the same, with a sharper competitive edge and new avenues and opportunities for growth. Together, AkzoNobel and Axalta are positioned to establish a profitable and sustainable path forward as a leader in the coatings industry. Like AkzoNobel, we value our people as our greatest asset, and we are excited to unite our rich, innovation-focused cultures.”
Rakesh Sachdev, Chair of the Axalta Board of Directors, added: “The Axalta Board is confident that this combination with AkzoNobel will create significant value for our shareholders as we move ahead. Led by an experienced management team with a track record of operational efficiency and excellence, we expect the meaningful synergy opportunities and enhanced financial profile of the combined company will drive substantial value creation. We look forward to joining Axalta’s and AkzoNobel’s strengths to create new opportunities across our global stakeholder base.”
