Akzo adds Ferro powder coating assets

摘要

COATINGS: GLOBAL pharmaceuticals, coatings, and chemicals group Akzo Nobel NV is close to significantly expanding its presence in the US powder coatings market with the signing of a contract to acquire all Ferro Corp. powder coating assets in the North American and Asia Pacific regions for 73m dollars. The USA is the world's largest powder coatings market. Under the deal, which is subject to regulatory approvals, Akzo will take over Ferro's US plants in Tennessee and Ohio, as well as an operation in Ningbo, China, and a j-v in South Korea. Akzo has existing plants producing powder coatings worldwide under its Interpon business unit, headquartered in Felling, UK. Akzo's move makes it number three in the US market, where other leading players include Morton Powder Coatings (part of Rohm and Haas Co.), Du Pont Powder Coatings USA, PPG Industries, and HB Fuller Co. Competition is not as intense as other coatings areas as each company has historical expertise and focused product development in certain applications.