PPG confirmed on 9 March 2017 that it made an attractive and comprehensive proposal to Akzo Nobel NV (AkzoNobel) on 2 March 2017, inviting AkzoNobel to enter into negotiations with PPG on a potential transaction to form a combined company, which AkzoNobel rejected.
PPG continues to believe there is a strong strategic rationale for the proposed transaction between PPG and AkzoNobel and will carefully evaluate and consider its position and path forward related to its proposal.
Michael McGarry, chairman and CEO of PPG, said, “PPG has long admired AkzoNobel’s businesses, global presence, culture and principles as well as its advances in innovative product development and sustainable business practices. We believe a combination of our two companies is a very compelling strategic opportunity. We are confident that this combination is in the best interests of the stakeholders of both companies as it presents a unique opportunity to build on the successful legacies of our businesses. PPG has carefully considered the interest of all AkzoNobel stakeholders including shareholders, employees, customers and the communities it serves and has proposed its willingness to enter into serious commitments in respect of all stakeholders.”
Strategically, the combination of PPG and AkzoNobel would deliver an enhanced global player in paints, coatings and specialty materials, combining complementary products, technologies and geographies, and would create a stronger competitor in a highly competitive global marketplace, offering a broader line of products and technologies cost-effectively to a more diverse customer base. Financially, the combination would create a stronger enterprise with a solid investment grade rating.
PPG envisions that the heritage of AkzoNobel’s culture and best practices will be reflected in the composition of the combined company, and in the locations where it would operate. The combination would continue the legacies of both companies, including the use of flagship brands and technologies, investment in research, development and innovation, and the companies’ long-standing commitment to being good employers and corporate citizens that operate in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
PPG, in conjunction with its financial and legal advisors, has devoted significant time and resources to analysing a potential combination of PPG and AkzoNobel and is confident in its ability to execute and complete the proposed transaction and to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals.
