AkzoNobel takes full control of Metlac

Global coatings and paints company AkzoNobel is to acquire the remaining shares in Italian packaging coatings producer Metlac.

AkzoNobel is already a shareholder in Metlac, a position it inherited from the acquisition of ICI in 2008. AkzoNobel said the share acquisition underlines the company's strong commitment to supporting the coatings and inks market for metal packaging by securing the future of a recognized supplier.

As well as metal packaging for food, beverage and aerosol applications, Metlac provides a range of inks, coil coating, flexible tubes and coatings for both internal and external use.

The combination of the two companies will bring value to its customers by leveraging the AkzoNobel global footprint and the product range of Metlac, it added. The acquisition of Metlac by AkzoNobel is due to complete in Q2.

Leif Darner, an AkzoNobel executive committee member responsible for performance coatings, said: ‘This acquisition will reinforce our customer offering and links perfectly with the strategy to strengthen our positions in core markets.’