Axalta and AkzoNobel advance $600 million merger plan

Axalta Coating Systems reported record second‑quarter adjusted EBITDA of $305 million and net sales of $1.35 billion, highlighting the upcoming August 5 special meeting to vote on a proposed merger of equals with AkzoNobel. The company forecast adjusted EBITDA of $295‑$305 million for Q3 2026 and full‑year 2026 EBITDA of $1.14‑$1.17 billion, with free cash flow expected above $500 million.

Analysts note that the Axalta‑AkzoNobel combination is projected to generate about €600 million in synergies and represents a premium offer compared with a competing bid from Nippon Paint, which they view as undervaluing AkzoNobel’s decorative‑paints business.