AkzoNobel and Axalta’s planned merger has received European approval on condition that AkzoNobel sells its European automotive refinish business.
The Nov. 6 decision advances a deal between two major suppliers of paint used in collision repair. Amsterdam-based AkzoNobel supplies Sikkens and Lesonal, while Philadelphia-based Axalta’s refinish brands include Cromax, Standox and Spies Hecker.
The sale is intended to preserve competition in Europe by keeping AkzoNobel’s European refinish business separate from Axalta. The companies said it addresses regulators’ concerns about combining competing paint operations in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
The required sale covers the European refinish business. No sale of AkzoNobel’s Canadian refinish operations was announced. newsroom.axalta.com
“Receiving the European Commission’s approval is an important milestone as we move closer to completing our merger with Axalta,” said Greg Poux-Guillaume, chief executive officer of AkzoNobel, in the joint announcement.
The merger was announced in November 2025. In October, the companies announced that the combined business would be called Axanzo.
The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to outstanding regulatory approvals. Until then, AkzoNobel and Axalta will continue to operate independently.
In their Oct. 15 announcement, company representatives said customers would continue working with their existing teams and through their existing brands and business relationships. newsroom.axalta.com
The Nov. 6 release does not set out changes to Canadian paint prices, distributor arrangements or product lines.
Poux-Guillaume is expected to lead Axanzo. Chris Villavarayan, chief executive officer and president of Axalta, is expected to become deputy chief executive officer.
The combined manufacturer would have approximately US$17 billion in annual revenue across automotive refinish and other paint and coatings markets.
