Corrected: UPDATE 1-Conditional EU antitrust approval expected for AkzoNobel, Axalta deal, sources say

Akzo Nobel NV

08/10/2026 14:49

Corrects to asset for sale belonging to AkzoNobel, not to Axalta, in first paragraph
By Foo Yun Chee
BRUSSELS, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Dulux paint maker AkzoNobel AKZO.AS and US peer Axalta Coating Systems AXTA.N are set to win EU antitrust approval for their $25 billion merger with a pledge to sell AkzoNobel's vehicle refinish business to address competition concerns, people familiar with the matter said.
The companies announced the deal in November last year, underscoring a wave of consolidation among paint makers to save money in the face of rising costs and amid uncertainties created by US President Donald Trump's tariffs.
The European Commission, which is the EU competition enforcer, AkzoNobel and Axalta declined to comment.
The companies, which met with the EU watchdog on Wednesday to discuss the deal and possible remedies, will put in their offer next week. This will then extend the current Commission's October 22 deadline by 10 working days.
Earlier concerns about the overlaps in the powder coatings business have been resolved, leaving the vehicle refinish business as the only issue to be addressed, the people said.
Axalta exclusively makes coatings, with a strong presence in the US market. Rivals to the companies include BASF's BASFn.DE coatings business, Nippon Paint 4612.T, Sherwin-Williams SHW.N and Kansai Nerolac KANE.NS.

 (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Jan Harvey)
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