1515 GMT - A proposed merger between Dutch paints maker AkzoNobel and U.S. peer Axalta could find its main antitrust issue in the companies' coatings operations for the auto market, according to UBS. Potential regulatory hurdles to get the deal approved will be at the top of investors' minds, analysts at UBS say in a research note. From a competition perspective, the focus will be on the companies' overlap in coatings for the auto market, UBS says. Another issue that will be in focus for investors is how much of the $600 million in expected cost savings from the merger relates to the headcount reductions and industrial transformation that Akzo is currently working on, the analysts say. Akzo shares fall 2.1%, while Axalta rises 2.4%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 19, 2025 10:15 ET (15:15 GMT)

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