AkzoNobel
{{Short description|Dutch multinational company which creates paints and performance coating}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Akzo Nobel N.V.
| logo = AkzoNobel Logo.svg
| image = Akzo Nobel Headquarters (1).jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = AkzoNobel's headquarters in Amsterdam
| type = Public
| predecessor = Akzo NV
Nobel Industries AB
| traded_as = {{EuronextAmsterdam|AKZA|NL0013267909|XAMS}}
AEX component
| foundation = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1994}}
| location = Amsterdam, Netherlands
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{ubl|Grégoire Poux-Guillaume (CEO)|Nils Smedegaard Andersen (chairman of the supervisory board)}}
| industry = Chemicals
| brands = Dulux, Sikkens, Interpon, International, Awlgrip, Zweihorn, Chemchraft
| products = {{plainlist|
- Decorative paints
- Performance Coatings, including liquid and powder coating
- Industrial finishing products
- Wood Adhesives
}}
| revenue = {{decrease}} €10.668 billion (2023){{Cite web |title=AkzoNobel Report 2023 |url=https://www.akzonobel.com/content/dam/akzonobel-corporate/global/en/investor-relations-images/result-center/reports---presentation/2023-report-and-presentations/q4-2023/report-q4-2023-akzonobel.pdf }}
| operating_income = {{increase}} €1,029 million (2023)
| net_income = {{increase}} €488 million (2023)
| assets = {{decrease}} €14.558 billion (2023)
| equity = {{decrease}} €4.546 billion (2023)
| num_employees = 35,200 (2023)
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.akzonobel.com/}}
}}
Akzo Nobel N.V., stylised as AkzoNobel, is a Dutch multinational company which creates paints and performance coatings for both industry and consumers worldwide. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the company has activities in more than 150 countries. AkzoNobel is the world's third-largest paint manufacturer by revenue after Sherwin-Williams and PPG Industries.{{cite web | url=https://www.european-coatings.com/articles/archiv/akzo-nobel-and-ppg-industries-strengthen-their-businesses-with-minor-acquisitions | title=Akzo Nobel and PPG Industries strengthen their businesses with minor acquisitions }}{{cite web | url=https://www.coatingsworld.com/heaps/view/10269/1/ | title=Top manufacturers of paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants in 2022 | Coatings World }}
History
AkzoNobel has a long history of mergers and divestments. Parts of the current company can be traced back to 17th-century companies.[http://www.akzonobel.com/eka/system/images/AkzoNobel_Historybook_LoRes_tcm56-8568.pdf Tomorrow's answers today, AkzoNobel 2008] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927082303/http://www.akzonobel.com/eka/system/images/AkzoNobel_Historybook_LoRes_tcm56-8568.pdf |date=27 September 2011 }}, {{ISBN|978-90-902288-3-9}}, English version
=History and formation of Akzo=
Akzo was formed in 1969 as merger of Algemene Kunstzijde Unie (General Artificial Silk Union; AKU) and Koninklijke Zout Organon (Royal Salt Organon; KZO).{{Cite web |title=Wat is AkzoNobel? |url=https://npofocus.nl/artikel/7550/wat-is-akzonobel |access-date=4 December 2020 |publisher=NPO |language=nl}}
The AKU was formed in 1929 when the Vereinigte Glanzstoff-Fabriken (est. 1899) and Nederlandse Kunstzijdefabriek (ENKA, est. 1911) merged, forming Algemene Kunstzijde Unie (AKU). The latter faced, amongst others, technical problems in the manufacturing of synthetic fibers. Its founder, Jacques Coenraad Hartogs, turned to Dutch industrialist Rento Hofstede Crull for a solution for which Hofstede Crull provided the answer. They created a joint venture, the NV I.S.E.M., whose successes and profits laid the foundation for the ENKA's subsequent acquisitions and mergers and which was eventually absorbed by the AKU in 1938.History of the NV I.S.E.M.: ({{Cite web |title=Enka Historisch Museum Ede - de Internationale Spinpot Exploitatie Maatschappij |url=http://enka.historischmuseumede.nl/enka-reunie-vereniging/extra-verhalen/156-de-internationale-spinpot-exploitatie-maatschappij |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302111905/http://enka.historischmuseumede.nl/enka-reunie-vereniging/extra-verhalen/156-de-internationale-spinpot-exploitatie-maatschappij |archive-date=2 March 2017 |access-date=2017-03-01 |df=dmy-all}}); Jaap Tuik. Een bijzonder energiek ondernemer - Rento Wolter Hendrik Hofstede Crull (1863-1938): pioneer van de elektriciteits voorziening in Nederland Zutphen, Netherlands: Historisch Centrum Overijsssel & Walberg Pers, 2009. pp: 137- 138 {{ISBN|978-90-5730-640-2}}
The other part of the merger, the KZO, was formed when Koninklijke Zout Ketjen merged with Koninklijke Zwanenberg Organon in 1967. The former was itself a merger of Koninklijke Nederlandse Zoutindustrie (KNZ) and Ketjen. The KNZ was formed in 1918 by Ko Vis as a salt producing company; a business that to this day plays an important role in AkzoNobel's activities. The other part, Koninklijke Zwanenberg Organon, was formed when Zwanenberg's Fabrieken (est. 1887), a meat export factory based in Oss merged with Organon, a pharmaceuticals company founded by Saal van Zwanenberg, also in Oss.{{cite web|url=http://www.organon.com/about/facts/history/index.asp?ComponentID=10448&SourcePageID=9171 |title=81 Years of Organon at a Glance|publisher=Organon|access-date=19 June 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050309062056/http://www.organon.com/about/facts/history/index.asp?ComponentID=10448&SourcePageID=9171 |archive-date = 9 March 2005}}
After the merger of AKU and KZO, Akzo made a number of other critical acquisitions; Armour and Company in 1970,[http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Akzo-Nobel-NV-Company-History.html AkzoNobel company history] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920155315/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Akzo-Nobel-NV-Company-History.html |date=20 September 2011 }}, fundinguniverse.com Levis Paints in 1985, specialty chemicals division of Stauffer in 1987 and divested its polyamides and polyesters plastics engineering business to DSM in 1992. In 1993, Akzo formed a joint venture with Harrisons Chemicals (UK) Ltd a subsidiary of Harrisons & Crosfield.{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m310_en.pdf|title=Case No IV/M.310 - Harrisons & Crosfield / Akzo|publisher=European Union|date=29 April 1993|access-date=23 March 2024}}
{{Multiple image
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 350
| image1 = Akzo Nobel Kontor 01.jpg
| caption1 = Oslo, Norway Factory
| image2 = AkzoNobel Barcelona.jpg
| caption2 = Barcelona, Spain Factory
| image3 = Akzonobel factory in Stowmarket, Suffolk (45510635174).jpg
| caption3 = Suffolk, UK Factory
| image4 = Shanghai Songjiang IMG 8489 Xiyuanjing - huajia road - Akzo Nobel.jpg
| caption4 = Shanghai, China Factory
| perrow = 2 / 2
}}
=AkzoNobel formation=
In 1994 Akzo and Nobel Industries agreed to merge, forming Akzo Nobel, with the new combined entity having 20 business entities a number of divestments were made: Nobel Chemicals, Nobel Biotech and Spectra-Physics. In 1995 the PET resins business was sold to Wellman, Inc.. In 1996 the group sold the crop protection business to Nufarm. In 1998 the company acquired industrial coatings and in synthetic fiber company Courtaulds, later divesting Courtaulds industrial coatings and Daejen Fine Chemicals. Courtaulds was merged with Akzo Nobel Fibres forming Acordis, which in December 1999 was divested to CVC Capital Partners and then to be sold in 2000 to Teijin. Also in 1999 AkzoNobel acquired the pharmaceutical business of Kanebo.{{cite news|url=https://www.pharmaceuticalonline.com/doc/akzo-nobel-acquires-kanebo-pharmaceutical-bus-0001|title=Akzo Nobel Acquires Kanebo Pharmaceutical Business In Japan|date=5 February 1999|newspaper= Pharmaceutical Online|access-date=23 March 2024}}
In the early 2000s the company began another waive of divestitures, first in 2000 with its stake in Rovin's VCM and PVC business to Shin-Etsu Chemical. In 2001 divests ADC optical monomers business to Great Lakes Chemical, in 2002 its printing inks business, in 2004 its catalyst business to Albemarle Corp., in 2005 its Ink & Adhesive Resins to Hexion and UV/EB Resins to Cray Valley, in 2007 its Akcros Chemicals to GIL Investments. In 2006 the group acquired Canadian decorative and industrial coatings company, SICO Inc. and a year later Canadian industrial coatings company, Chemcraft International, Inc.{{cite news|url=https://www.coatingsworld.com/issues/2007-07/view_paint-amp-coatings-manufacturer-news/akzo-nobel-acquires-chemcraft-2007-07-19-08-02-48/|title=Akzo Nobel acquires Chemcraft|date=19 July 2007|newspaper=Coatings World| access-date=23 March 2024}}
In 2007 Organon International was sold to Schering-Plough for €11 billion and AkzoNobel delisted its shares from the US NASDAQ stock market. In 2008 Crown Paints was sold in a management buyout.{{Cite news |last=Tyler |first=Richard |date=2008-08-03 |title=Akzo Nobel give up Crown Paints |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2794239/Akzo-Nobel-give-up-Crown-Paints.html |url-status=live |access-date=2014-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113112900/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/2794239/Akzo-Nobel-give-up-Crown-Paints.html |archive-date=13 January 2015 |df=dmy-all}}
In December 2012, AkzoNobel agrees to sell its North American Architectural Coatings business to PPG Industries for $1.1 billion.{{Cite news |last=Kreijger |first=Sara Webb and Gilbert |title=AkzoNobel sells North American paint arm to PPG for $1.1 billion |newspaper=Reuters |date=14 December 2012 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-akzonobel-ppg-idUSBRE8BD09P20121214 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327165906/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-akzonobel-ppg-idUSBRE8BD09P20121214 |archive-date=27 March 2017 |df=dmy-all}}
=Acquisition of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI)=
In 2008 AkzoNobel acquired British Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) for $15.8 billion.{{Cite news |title=BBC NEWS - Business - Akzo Nobel ICI merger completed |date=2 January 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7168348.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520055113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7168348.stm |archive-date=20 May 2009 |df=dmy-all}}
ICI can trace its history back to four British-based chemical companies; British Dyestuffs Corporation, Brunner, Mond & Company, Nobel Explosives and the United Alkali Company.{{Cite web |title=ICI: History |url=http://www.ici.com/History |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017121139/http://www.ici.com/History |archive-date=17 October 2008 |publisher=ICI |df=dmy}} which merged in 1926, forming ICI. A year later, the newly merged entity employed over 33,000 employees in five main product areas: alkali products, explosives, metals, general chemicals, and dyestuffs. In 1933 the company developed polyethylene, which is later patented and sold as an insulating material. In 1986 focusses to paint and specialty products with the purchase of Beatrice's Chemicals Division and Glidden Paint.{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE3DC113FF93AA35750C0A961948260 |title=New Chairman of ICI praises planned agenda |work=The New York Times |date=9 March 1987 |access-date=27 September 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218161756/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE3DC113FF93AA35750C0A961948260 |archive-date=18 February 2009 }}
In 1993 ICI demerged its bioscience business, splitting into two the publicly listed companies: ICI and Zeneca. The latter would later go onto merge with Astra AB, forming the current pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca.{{cite web |title=Our History - AstraZeneca Careers |url=http://www.astrazenecacareers.com/content/aboutAZ/ourCompany/ourHistory/astrazeneca-our-history-corporate-evolution.asp |website=AstraZeneca Careers}}
In April 2008 Henkel acquired from AkzoNobel the adhesive part of National Starch {{Cite web|url=https://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/henkel-closes-acquisition-of-national-starch-businesses-816083|title=Henkel Closes Acquisition of National Starch Businesses|website=news.thomasnet.com|accessdate=6 April 2023}} and in June 2010, AkzoNobel divested the starch part of National Starch business to Corn Products International.{{cite news|url=https://www.allaboutfeed.net/home/akzo-nobel-sells-starch-business-to-corn-products/|title=Akzo Nobel sells starch business to Corn Products|date=23 June 2010|newspaper=All About Feed|access-date=23 March 2024}}
=Attempted acquisition by PPG Industries=
{{Main|PPG Industries}}
In March 2017, PPG Industries launched an unsolicited takeover bid of €20.9 billion, which was promptly rejected by AkzoNobel's management.{{Cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Duncan |date=24 March 2017 |title=PPG bid forces Akzo Nobel's Ton Büchner to play defence |newspaper=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/88244784-108e-11e7-a88c-50ba212dce4d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326055720/https://www.ft.com/content/88244784-108e-11e7-a88c-50ba212dce4d |archive-date=26 March 2017 |df=dmy-all}} Days later, PPG again launched an increased bid of €24.5 billion, which was again rejected by AkzoNobel's management.{{Cite web |title=PPG Makes Revised Proposal to Combine with AkzoNobel |url=http://investor.ppg.com/press-releases/2017/03-22-2017-120859894 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328084823/http://investor.ppg.com/press-releases/2017/03-22-2017-120859894 |archive-date=28 March 2017 |df=dmy-all}} A number of shareholders urged the company to explore the offer and subsequent negotiations.{{Cite news |title=AkzoNobel shareholders turn up the heat on Dulux owner over rejected PPG takeover bid |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=23 March 2017 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/03/23/akzonobel-shareholders-turn-heat-dulux-owner-rejected-ppg-takeover/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215095907/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/03/23/akzonobel-shareholders-turn-heat-dulux-owner-rejected-ppg-takeover/ |archive-date=15 February 2018 |df=dmy-all|last1=Dean |first1=Sam }}{{Cite web |last=Whitfield |first=Graeme |date=24 March 2017 |title=Largest shareholder at big North East employer AkzoNobel urges takeover talks |url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/largest-shareholder-big-north-east-12790788 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327081238/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/largest-shareholder-big-north-east-12790788 |archive-date=27 March 2017 |df=dmy-all}} In April, activist investor, Elliot Investors' called for the removal of Chairman Antony Burgmans following Akzo's refusal to submit to discussing with PPG. Elliott, which has a 3.25% stake in the company, claimed it was one of a group of investors that met the Dutch legal threshold of 10% voting-share support, which is needed to call an extraordinary meeting to vote on a proposal to remove Burgmans.{{Cite news |last=Sherman |first=Natalie |date=12 April 2017 |title=Akzo Nobel faces call to axe chairman amid takeover battle |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39576544 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413014833/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39576544 |archive-date=13 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}} On 13 April, Templeton Global Equity said it was among another group of investors calling for an extraordinary meeting of AkzoNobel shareholders to discuss Burgmans continued tenure as Chairman.{{Cite news|title=Another Akzo Nobel investor calls for meeting on chairman |newspaper=Reuters |date=13 April 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-akzo-m-a-shareholders-idUKKBN17F132 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416145902/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-akzo-m-a-shareholders-idUKKBN17F132 |archive-date=16 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}} Later, in the same month Akzo outlined its plan to separate its chemicals division and pay shareholders €1.6 billion in extra dividends, in order to attempt to hold-off PPG.{{Cite web |last=Sterlink |first=Toby |date=2017-04-18 |title=Akzo Nobel unveils plan to separate chemicals arm, pay special dividend |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/akzo-nobel-ma-ppg-inds-idUKA5N1F9019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518060541/http://uk.reuters.com/article/akzo-nobel-ma-ppg-inds-idUKA5N1F9019 |archive-date=18 May 2017 |access-date=2017-10-29 |publisher=Reuters |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|title=Akzo Nobel beats on first quarter operating profit, sees 2017 growth |work=Reuters |date=19 April 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-results-idUKKBN17L0DC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419123455/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-results-idUKKBN17L0DC |archive-date=19 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}} The new Akzo strategy was dismissed by PPG, which claimed that their offer represented better value for shareholders,{{Cite news|title=PPG Industries says Akzo Nobel's new plan is worse for shareholders |newspaper=Reuters |date=19 April 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-proposal-idUKKBN17L1MS |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420143208/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-proposal-idUKKBN17L1MS |archive-date=20 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news |last=Keidan |first=Toby Sterling and Maiya |title=PPG dismisses Akzo Nobel defence, presses takeover case |newspaper=Reuters |date=19 April 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-ppg-inds-idUKKBN17L0J0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419233829/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-ppg-inds-idUKKBN17L0J0 |archive-date=19 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}} supported by activist Akzo shareholder, Elliot Advisors.{{Cite news|title=Elliott calls Akzo Nobel strategic plan 'incomplete' |publisher=Reuters |date=19 April 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-hedgefunds-elliott-akzo-idUKKBN17L1P8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420143051/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-hedgefunds-elliott-akzo-idUKKBN17L1P8 |archive-date=20 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}} On 24 April, a day before Akzo's annual meeting of shareholders, PPG increased its final offer by approximately 8% to $28.8 billion (€26.9 billion, €96.75 per share)—with Akzo's share pricing rising 6% to a record price of €82.95 per share.{{Cite news |last=Sterling |first=Toby |title=PPG raises offer for Akzo Nobel to $29 billion |newspaper=Reuters |date=24 April 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-ppg-inds-idUKKBN17Q0ZH |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424111412/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-ppg-inds-idUKKBN17Q0ZH |archive-date=24 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}} Akzo shareholder, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, urged the company to open dialogue with PPG,{{Cite news |title=Akzo Nobel shareholder Columbia Threadneedle urges talks with PPG |publisher=Reuters |date=24 April 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-shareholders-idUKKBN17Q1H6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425120930/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-shareholders-idUKKBN17Q1H6 |archive-date=25 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}} whilst PPG claimed that the deal would add to earning within its first year.{{Cite news|title=Akzo Nobel purchase would add to earnings in first year - PPG CEO |publisher=Reuters |date=24 April 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-ppg-ceo-idUKKBN17Q1OT |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425120927/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-ppg-ceo-idUKKBN17Q1OT |archive-date=25 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}} Days later one of the UK's largest pension scheme investors, Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), urged Akzo to engage with PPG.{{Cite news|title=Akzo Nobel investor USS backs call for PPG talks over revised bid |publisher=Reuters |date=28 April 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-uss-idUKKBN17U1AB |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429031021/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-uss-idUKKBN17U1AB |archive-date=29 April 2017 |df=dmy-all}} On 2 May, Reuters revealed that the supervisory board of Akzo was meeting to discuss how to deal with PPGs third offer, still maintaining it did not value the company highly enough.{{Cite news |last=Roumeliotis |first=Greg |title=Exclusive - Akzo sees latest PPG bid inadequate, weighs options-sources |newspaper=Reuters |date=2 May 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzonobel-m-a-industries-idUKKBN17Y23O |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503040809/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzonobel-m-a-industries-idUKKBN17Y23O |archive-date=3 May 2017 |df=dmy-all}}
In early May, Akzo again rejected PPGs bid, citing the deal still undervalued the company, as well as potentially facing antitrust risks, and not addressing other concerns such as "cultural differences". Under Dutch company law, PPG had to then decide to either make a formal bid or walkaway.{{Cite news |last=Sterling |first=Toby |title=Akzo Nobel declines third takeover proposal from PPG |newspaper=Reuters |date=8 May 2017 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-ppg-inds-idUKKBN1840GD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508074449/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-ppg-inds-idUKKBN1840GD |archive-date=8 May 2017 |df=dmy-all}} In early June, PPG chose to walk away from the potential deal.{{Cite news |last=Barbaglia |first=Pamela |title=How PPG lost its $29.5 billion bet on Dulux paint |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-akzo-m-a-ppg-inds-bid-idUKKBN18S6KU |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827000032/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-akzo-m-a-ppg-inds-bid-idUKKBN18S6KU |archive-date=27 August 2017 |access-date=4 May 2018 |website=reuters.com |date=June 2017 |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news |last=Sterling |first=Toby |title=Akzo responds to PPG approach after takeover battle ends |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-akzo-nobel-m-a-ppg-inds-letter-idUKKBN18T23Y |access-date=4 May 2018 |website=reuters.com|date=2 June 2017 }}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} As part of Akzo's defense to shareholders, many of whom pushed for the deal, chief executive Ton Büchner agreed to split Akzo in two and achieve increased financial targets.{{Cite news |last=Pooler |first=Michael |date=June 4, 2017 |title=Akzo faces tough battle after fending off PPG |work=Financial Times |location=United Kingdom |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4638a932-47ac-11e7-8519-9f94ee97d996 |url-status=live |access-date=June 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611054825/https://www.ft.com/content/4638a932-47ac-11e7-8519-9f94ee97d996 |archive-date=11 June 2017 |df=dmy-all}} Büchner stepped down as CEO in July 2017, citing health reasons. He was succeeded by Thierry Vanlancker, former chief of the company's chemicals division.{{Cite news |last=Sterling |first=Toby |date=July 19, 2017 |title=Akzo Nobel CEO quits, successor must deliver merger defense promises |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-akzo-nobel-ceo-idUSKBN1A40BX |access-date=July 30, 2019}}
=Recent=
The company AkzoNobel is focused on paints and coatings. On October 9, 2018 Specialty Chemicals was re-branded as a new company, Nouryon, after acquisition by the Carlyle Group.{{Cite press release |last=Nouryon |date=2018-10-09 |title=AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals is now Nouryon |url=http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/10/09/1618258/0/en/AkzoNobel-Specialty-Chemicals-is-now-Nouryon.html |access-date=2020-07-20 |website=GlobeNewswire News Room}}
International Paint Limited, owned by AkzoNobel were fined £650,000 and ordered to pay costs of £144,992 in a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency for allowing the banned highly toxic chemical tributyltin to be released into the river Yealm estuary at Newton Ferrers.{{Cite web |title=Company fined £650,000 after banned chemical entered Yealm estuary |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/company-fined-650-000-after-banned-chemical-entered-yealm-estuary |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}
Organization
Due to high revenues from the sales of its pharmaceutical business, AkzoNobel was the world's most profitable company in 2008.[https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2008/performers/companies/profits/revenues.html Top companies: Most profitable] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119210740/https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2008/performers/companies/profits/revenues.html |date=19 January 2012 }}, CNNMoney.com, Retrieved on 4 March 2009.
=Decorative paints=
AkzoNobel markets their products under various brandnames such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Interpon.{{cite web|url=https://www.akzonobel.com/en|title=Brands|publisher=AkzoNobel|access-date=23 March 2024}}
=Performance coatings=
AkzoNobel is a leading coatings company whose key products include automotive coatings, specialised equipment for the car repair and transportation market and marine coatings. The coatings groups consist of the following business units:{{Cite web |title=AkzoNobel Report 2021 |url=https://report.akzonobel.com/2021/ar/ |access-date=17 January 2023 |publisher=AkzoNobel |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web |title=AkzoNobel Report 2015 |url=http://report.akzonobel.com/2015/ar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228222727/http://report.akzonobel.com/2015/ar/ |archive-date=28 February 2016 |access-date=23 February 2016 |publisher=AkzoNobel |df=dmy-all}}
- Decorative Paints
- Marine and Protective Coatings
- Automotive and Specialty Coatings
- Industrial Coatings
- Powder Coatings
=Expancel=
Expancel is a unit producing expandable microspheres under the tradename "Expancel Microspheres" within AkzoNobel.{{Cite news |last=Dawson, Brian |date=27 Jan 2012 |title=Plastic Expansion |work=NYSE Magazine |url=http://www.nysemagazine.com/akzonobel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325074152/http://www.nysemagazine.com/akzonobel |archive-date=25 March 2012 |quote=Expancel microspheres from AkzoNobel can swell to as much as 60 times their original volume.}}{{Cite news |date=6 Apr 2011 |title=AkzoNobel investing €30 million to meet demand for Expancel |work=Dutch Daily News |url=http://www.dutchdailynews.com/akzonobel-sweden/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411060439/http://www.dutchdailynews.com/akzonobel-sweden/ |archive-date=11 April 2011 |quote=AkzoNobel is boosting capacity in Sweden for its Expancel expandable microspheres in order to meet growing global demand. |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news |last=Gerlin, Helen |date=23 May 2001 |title=Akzo Nobel anmäls för arbetsmiljöbrott |trans-title=Akzo Nobel reported for safety violations |work=Dagbladet |url=http://dagbladet.se/nyheter/njurundamatfors/1.4732642-akzo-nobel-anmals-for-arbetsmiljobrott |url-status=dead |access-date=16 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110120154/http://dagbladet.se/nyheter/njurundamatfors/1.4732642-akzo-nobel-anmals-for-arbetsmiljobrott |archive-date=10 November 2012 |quote=Expancel vid Akzo Nobel byggs ut och moderniseras – ett projekt som sysselsätter ett flertal arbetare från olika företag. (Expancel at Akzo Nobel is being expanded and modernized - a project that employs numerous workers from different companies.) |df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web |title=Akzo Nobel adds capacity for Expancel spheres.(expandable polymer spheres, Sweden)(Brief Article) - Chemical Week |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-108268049.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020331041952/http://highbeam.com/ |archive-date=31 March 2002 |access-date=2012-10-16 |df=dmy-all }}Scott, Alex. "Akzo Nobel adds capacity for Expancel spheres.(expandable polymer spheres, Sweden)(Brief Article)." Chemical Week. IHS Global, Inc. 2003.
Turnover and profit history
{{GraphChart
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| x = 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
| y1 = 14.1, 14.0, 13.1, 12.8, 13.0, 10.0, 10.2, 15.4, 13.0, 14.6, 15.7, 15.4, 14.6, 14.3, 14.9, 14.2, 9.6, 9.3, 9.3
| y1Title=turn-over
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| x = 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
| y1 = 671, 818, 602, 945, 961, 715, 410, -1080, 285, 754, 541, -2169, 724, 618, 1066, 970, 832, 6674, 539
| y1Title=profit
}}
See also
{{Portal|Companies}}
- Herbol, an industrial coating brand by AkzoNobel
- Twaron, trade name of aramid synthetic fiber
- Teijin Aramid, producer of Twaron, former AkzoNobel company
- GLARE, composite material patented by AkzoNobel
- List of companies in the Netherlands
- List of companies of Sweden
External links
- [https://www.nobian.com/about-us/our-heritage Nobian Heritage]
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website}}
{{AEX companies}}
{{British Royal Warrant holders}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|52|20|24|N|4|52|16|E|region:NL|display=title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Akzonobel}}
Category:Multinational companies headquartered in the Netherlands
Category:Manufacturing companies based in Amsterdam
Category:Chemical companies established in 1994
Category:1994 establishments in the Netherlands
Category:Mining companies of the Netherlands
Category:Companies listed on Euronext Amsterdam