AkzoNobel and Axalta announced Axanzo as the name for their merged company, with the combination expected to close in early 2027, bringing together approximately 100 brands serving more than 160 countries globally.
- The merged company will trade under the ticker symbol AXZ on the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam
- Both businesses will continue operating independently until the merger closes in early 2027, with no immediate changes to paint ordering or technical support for bodyshops
- The combined entity will include around 100 brands serving customers in more than 160 countries
- EU regulatory approval may require the sale of AkzoNobel's vehicle refinish business, as reported by Reuters on October 8
- Greg Poux-Guillaume (AkzoNobel CEO) will lead the merged business, with Chris Villavarayan (Axalta CEO) becoming deputy chief executive
Two of the collision repair industry’s largest paint suppliers have chosen Axanzo as their combined company’s name, with the merger expected to close in early 2027.
Executives at AkzoNobel and Axalta announced the name Oct. 15. The proposed ticker symbol is AXZ for listings on the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam.
For bodyshops, the announcement brings no immediate change to ordering paint or obtaining technical support. Both businesses will continue operating independently until closing. Customers will continue working with their existing teams and brands.
“We’re excited to announce the new name for our combined company,” said Greg Poux-Guillaume, AkzoNobel’s chief executive, who will lead the merged business.
“Axanzo signals a bold new start for a company which will be stronger in every way. It’s a launchpad for going further and faster than we ever could alone, embodying the pace and power to innovate, the strength to deliver and the excellence to succeed.”
The merger, announced in November 2025, would bring together around 100 brands serving more than 160 countries. Closing remains subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions.
For collision repairers, those approvals could involve changes to the refinish businesses being combined.
On Oct. 8, Reuters reported that the companies were preparing to offer the sale of AkzoNobel’s vehicle refinish business to secure European Union approval. The report cited people familiar with the matter. Representatives of both companies and the European Commission declined to comment.
The reported proposal concerns AkzoNobel’s business. Reuters corrected an earlier version identifying Axalta’s operation. The Oct. 15 naming announcement did not identify assets to be sold or announce changes to Canadian refinish operations.
In the United Kingdom, the Competition and Markets Authority’s initial merger investigation began Sept. 16. The published deadline for a first-stage decision is Nov. 11.
Chris Villavarayan, Axalta’s chief executive, will become deputy chief executive of the combined business.
“Axanzo will continuously reset the standard of what coatings can do. The new name perfectly captures our shared ambition to push boundaries, honoring our heritage and offering an exciting glimpse of what’s to come,” he said.
