Core Viewpoint - The merger between AkzoNobel and Sherwin-Williams will create a new paint giant with annual revenues of $17 billion, positioning it as the second-largest paint company globally after Sherwin-Williams [1][3] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger is expected to be completed between the end of 2026 and early 2027, with a new name and stock code to be announced later [3] - The combined company will have dual headquarters in Amsterdam and Philadelphia, registered in the Netherlands, and will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange [3] - The new entity will cover a wide range of products, including powder, aerospace, repair paints, mobile electronics, marine and protective, industrial, and decorative coatings, supported by approximately 100 well-known brands [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, AkzoNobel reported total revenue of €5.239 billion (approximately ¥43.9 billion), a year-on-year decrease of 3.41%, with a net profit of €231 million, down 35.47% [4] - Sherwin-Williams reported net sales of $2.567 billion (approximately ¥18.65 billion) in the same period, a year-on-year decline of 2.95%, but its net profit increased by 35.95% to $208 million [4] Group 3: Industry Impact - The merger significantly alters the competitive landscape, eliminating the previous "three-horse race" and establishing a direct competition between Sherwin-Williams and the new entity [3][5] - The combined company will integrate R&D capabilities, focusing on electric vehicle coatings and environmentally friendly water-based coatings [3] Group 4: Governance Structure - The new company will have a single-tier board of directors consisting of 11 members, with 4 nominated by each company and 3 independent directors [6] - Key leadership positions include AkzoNobel's CEO Greg Puks-Guillaume as the new CEO and Sherwin-Williams' current CEO Chris Villavarayan as the Vice CEO [6] Group 5: Competitive Landscape - The merger is expected to challenge Sherwin-Williams' market share, which reached a market value of $92.86 billion in 2025, making it the first company in the industry to exceed a market value of $100 billion [7] - Sherwin-Williams has been expanding its market presence through store openings and acquisitions, including a recent acquisition in Latin America [8]