AkzoNobel & Axalta eye CMA concerns as merger faces UK competition scrutiny
By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : November 12, 2026 10:20 am
Companies propose divesting AkzoNobel’s European vehicle refinish coatings business to address competition concerns; merger completion targeted for early 2027
AkzoNobel and Axalta are weighing the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) Phase 1 decision on their proposed merger after the regulator raised competition concerns over the supply of vehicle refinish (VR) coatings in the UK.
The companies said the CMA’s concerns are limited to the UK VR coatings market and intend to address them through the same remedy package proposed to the European Commission.
AkzoNobel and Axalta have already agreed with the European Commission on a targeted package of undertakings that includes the divestment of AkzoNobel’s European VR coatings business, including its UK operations.
The companies said they would continue to engage constructively with both the European Commission and the CMA to secure approval for the proposed remedy package.
Despite the regulatory scrutiny, AkzoNobel and Axalta remain confident of completing the merger by early 2027.
The proposed combination would create a global coatings powerhouse with approximately $17 billion in revenue, bringing together two major industry players with complementary portfolios, technologies and brands.
The combined business would have a broad presence across Powder Coatings, Aerospace Coatings, Refinish, Mobility, Marine and Protective Coatings, Industrial Coatings and Decorative Coatings.