Akzo Nobel upgraded at Barclays as Q2 marks earnings recovery for European chemicals (AKZOF:OTCMKTS)

AkzoNobel shareholders approved all resolutions for the proposed all-share merger with Axalta at an Aug. 5, 2026 extraordinary general meeting, including merger approval, share issuance, board appointments and remuneration policy. Axalta shareholders also voted in favor. The deal moves to regulatory review and other closing conditions, with completion expected end-2026 or early 2027.

Axalta Coating Systems and Akzo Nobel said shareholders approved their all-stock merger of equals at meetings on 5 Aug 2026. Akzo Nobel approved merger-related resolutions including share issuance, board appointments and remuneration policy, while Axalta approved the deal at its special meeting. Completion still depends on regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, expected late 2026 or early 2027.

Akzo Nobel reported 5% organic growth in Q2 core profit, beating estimates. Adjusted EBITDA rose to €398m from €393m, above analysts’ €392m expectation, helped by previously announced price increases offsetting higher raw-material costs. CEO Greg Poux-Guillaume said differences were mainly due to divestment in India. The company also plans a merger with Axalta, with a shareholder vote on Aug 5.

Akzo Nobel shares rose 1.3% after the company reported Q2 adjusted EBITDA of €398 million, up 5% and above consensus (€392 million). Revenue was €2.59 billion. Akzo Nobel upgraded full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to at least €1.47 billion vs prior €1.42 billion estimate, and reiterated its Axalta merger vote on Aug 5.

Akzo Nobel said it received multiple conditional and non-binding proposals from Nippon Paint Holdings for its Decorative Paints business, with an indicative enterprise value of EUR 7.5 billion (cash-free, debt-free). Akzo Nobel said the offer is an alternative proposal under its merger agreement with Axalta and undervalues the unit. Its boards continue to back the merger of equals with Axalta.

Akzo Nobel said its board rejected Nippon Paint Holdings’ €7.5 billion ($8.5 billion) bid for Akzo’s decorative paints unit, saying it undervalues the business. Akzo reiterated its unanimous support for a “merger of equals” with Axalta, agreed in November. The deal targets combined annual revenue of about $17 billion and $600 million cost savings.