The review is aligned with the broader impulse of Akzonobel to improve efficiency. The company has already reduced more than 1,600 jobs worldwide, 70 percent of its specific 2,200 accounts reduction, and is closing underutilized plants in Europe. | Photo credit: Reuters
It is likely that Akzonobel NV, the Dutch giant of paintings and coatings, ends a fundamental strategic review of its India operations at the end of mid to June, a movement that could see the greatest possible white Indian, in quality.
The company, known for brands like Dulux, has been in active discussions to rationalize its South Asia portfolio, with India in the heart of the conversations. Akzo has a 74 percent participation in the Indian business, and the Superior Brass company maintains that it could carry out a complete stake download or a partial sale, depending on the offer.
The Indian business has a market capitalization of approximately ₹ 15,000 million rupees; Which includes some verticals such as dust coatings, which would not be included in the sale.
Business review first pointed out last year, Akzo arrives seeks to optimize operations and increase efficiency amid global economic uncertainties.
‘Dynamic discussions’
Greg Poux-Guillaume, Executive Director, in Akzo Nobel NV, described discussions as “dynamics” and emphasized an focus on ensuring the “best result for Akzonobel and our business locally.”
The objective of the company, he added, is to conclude the process at the end of the second quarter, a repeated timeline despite global commercial tensions and tariff uncertainties.
“India, our moment will still get to a conclusion in the second quarter (April – June). So that has not changed. But once again, the discussions are active. They are dynamic,” said Poux -Guillaume, Duration The Investor Call.
For Akzo, his Indian business “has surpassed the softer regional markets, registering resistant growth despite a temporary slowdown in the first quarter of 2025”. “Our Indian business exceeded a minimum of temporary market,” said Poux-Guillaume, the call.
Akzonobel India, the fourth player by market size, after Asian Paints, Berger and Kansai Nerolac, focuses on decorative paintings for houses and commercial spaces, operates as a large autonomous unit, isolated from global descriptions.
The Indian unit appears in the Indian values bags. Earlier this year, the unit acquired the intellectual property rights of the Dulux brand for India, Nepal, Bután and Bangladesh for ₹ 1,152 million rupees. Competitive, sold its powder coatings business to the parent company for ₹ 2,073 million rupees and its vertical R&D for ₹ 70 million rupees. The net processes of ₹ 991 million rupees will cover the tax obligations of sales and finance dividends to shareholders.
“This is largely a business in India for India,” said Poux-Guillaume, highlighting its resistance in a swallowing world.
Business line He had previously reported that JSW Paints, Indigo Paints (backed by Pe Firm Advent) and the possible Pidilite are those of Fray. Two binding offers have already entered, and a third is expected, probably at the end of April.
“The discussions continue,” said Poux-Guillaume, declining to elaborate potential partners or structures.
The review is aligned with the broader impulse of Akzonobel to improve efficiency. The company has already reduced more than 1,600 jobs worldwide, 70 percent of its reduction in the specific 2,200 staff template, and is closing underutilized plants in Europe to raise the use of capacity in the mid -70s. In India, where operations are optimized for local demand, the approach is lower in cost reduction and more in the unlocking value.
Akzo NV estimates a modest Ebitda of 35 million euros of rates worldwide, with the minimum India exhibition due to its localized model. The action, negotiated in Euronext Amsterdam, has been promoted by its Q1 yield, flat organic sales and Ebitda or 357 million euros.
Posted on April 24, 2025