AkzoNobel plans separation of specialty chemicals business

As part of the separation, AkzoNobel will consider various alternative ownership structures for the specialty chemicals business including, but not limited to, the establishment of an independent listed entity. The ultimate structure will be determined by reference to shareholder value maximisation as well as broader stakeholder considerations.

“Our specialty chemicals business is an industry leader in many of the markets in which it operates and we are extremely proud of its heritage, performance and people. We are reviewing strategic options to separate it from the company to create focus for both specialty chemicals and the decorative paints and performance coatings group, allowing them to build further on their respective leadership positions,” said Ton Buchner, CEO, AkzoNobel.

Today’s decision was brought forward following confirmation that AkzoNobel has rejected an unsolicited, non-binding and conditional proposal from PPG Industries Inc for all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of AkzoNobel. PPG’s proposal substantially undervalues AkzoNobel and is not in the interest of its stakeholders, including its shareholders, customers and employees.

Buchner explained, “Our decision today was brought forward due to recent events. The unsolicited proposal we received from PPG substantially undervalues our company and contains serious risks and uncertainties. The proposal is not in the interest of AkzoNobel’s stakeholders, including its shareholders, customers and employees, and we have unanimously rejected it. Along with my colleagues on our Boards, our executive team and our thousands of employees, I firmly believe that AkzoNobel is best placed to unlock the value within our company ourselves.”

AkzoNobel received a proposal from PPG for a public offer on all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of AkzoNobel at a price of €54.00 in cash and 0.3 PPG shares per AkzoNobel share, corresponding to a value of €83.00 per share as per 28 February, 2017 (cum final dividend 2016).

Headquartered in Amsterdam, AkzoNobel has approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka.