0652 GMT - Dutch paints maker AkzoNobel and U.S. peer Axalta Coating Systems look set to create a coatings powerhouse through their proposed merger of equals, Degroof Petercam's Frank Claassen says in a note. Both companies are struggling with tough conditions in their markets and their share prices hadn't done that well, but an all-stock deal seems a smart way to tackle this issue, the analyst says. "The proposed paper-for-paper structure of the deal looks fair and note there will first be [a 2.5 billion-euro] cash return to AkzoNobel shareholders which is an extra sweetener," he adds. Akzo shares are down 5.1% since the start of the year, while Axalta's are down 18%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 19, 2025 01:52 ET (06:52 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.