Merger In response to market speculation, Akzo Nobel has confirmed it is currently in constructive discussions regarding a merger of the Akzo Nobel Paints & Coatings business with Axalta.. The merger would create one of the biggest global paints & coatings companies through a merger of equals. AkzoNobel confirms that its separation of Specialty Chemicals, including the return of the vast majority of net proceeds to shareholders, remains on track for April 2018 and is unaffected by these discussions. ...