Finance

Axalta investor Artisan Partners: Say 'no' to AkzoNobel deal

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 19, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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Axalta investor Artisan Partners: Say 'no' to AkzoNobel deal
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By Svea Herbst-Bayliss NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investor Artisan Partners is unhappy with Axalta Coating Systems' plan to combine with AkzoNobel in an all-stock deal that would create a paint industry

Artisan Partners Urges Rejection of Axalta-AkzoNobel Deal

By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investor Artisan Partners is unhappy with Axalta Coating Systems' plan to combine with AkzoNobel in an all-stock deal that would create a paint industry giant with an enterprise value of $25 billion, according to a letter to shareholders.

"As an Axalta shareholder, we believe the only proper response to this proposed transaction is an absolute and resounding “NO,” Artisan Partners fund managers Daniel O'Keefe and Michael McKinnon wrote in a letter to Axalta shareholders, which was seen by Reuters.

The pair also said they would interested speaking with any other interested buyers.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Leslie Adler)

Key Takeaways

  • Artisan Partners opposes Axalta's merger with AkzoNobel.
  • The deal would create a $25 billion paint industry giant.
  • Artisan Partners sent a letter to Axalta shareholders.
  • Fund managers are open to other potential buyers.
  • The letter was reported by Reuters.

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