Market Chatter: EU Said to Clear AkzoNobel, Axalta's Merger After Preliminary Review

MT Newswires · 2d ago
12:43 AM EDT, 10/09/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The European Commission is reportedly expected to issue antitrust approval for AkzoNobel's (AKZA.AS) planned merger with Axalta Coating Systems after a preliminary review, Reuters reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The Dutch paint company is set to offer remedies such as divesting its vehicle refinish business to address competition concerns next week, thereby extending the Commission's current deadline of Oct. 22 by 10 working days, the report added. The companies announced the $25 billion merger of equals in November 2025, with completion expected in late 2026 or early 2027. The European Commission, Axalta, and AkzoNobel did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)