CMA finds AkzoNobel Axalta merger risks UK competition

The UK Competition and Markets Authority announced on November 11 that the anticipated merger of Akzo Nobel and Axalta Coating Systems may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the United Kingdom.

Why it matters: The merger will be referred for an in-depth phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer undertakings the CMA accepts, putting a remedy negotiation ahead of one of the coatings sector’s largest combinations.

Data as of UK Competition and Markets Authority merger inquiry page, phase 1 decision announced November 11, 2026, read in full in this run; every finding is from the CMA document itself. Developing item.

The Competition and Markets Authority said on November 11 that, on the evidence currently available, it is or may be the case that the anticipated merger between Akzo Nobel N.V. and Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. The CMA launched its merger inquiry on September 16, 2026, after an invitation to comment that ran from April 16 to May 1.

The merger will be referred for an in-depth phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer an acceptable undertaking to address the competition concerns. The CMA published a summary of its phase 1 decision with the announcement.

CMA finds AkzoNobel Axalta merger risks UK competition

Sources