On March 10, 2017, PPG (NYSE:PPG) announced that it confirmed that it made an attractive and comprehensive proposal to Akzo Nobel N.V. (AKZA.AS; AKZOY) on March 2, 2017, inviting AkzoNobel to enter into negotiations with PPG on a potential transaction to form a combined company, which AkzoNobel rejected.
   PPG continues to believe there is a strong strategic rationale for the proposed transaction between PPG and AkzoNobel and will carefully evaluate and consider its position and path forward related to its proposal.
   Michael McGarry, chairman and CEO of PPG, said, “PPG has long admired AkzoNobel’s businesses, global presence, culture and principles as well as its advances in innovative product development and sustainable business practices. We believe a combination of our two companies is a very compelling strategic opportunity. We are confident that this combination is in the best interests of the stakeholders of both companies as it presents a unique opportunity to build on the successful legacies of our businesses. PPG has carefully considered the interest of all AkzoNobel stakeholders including shareholders, employees, customers and the communities it serves and has proposed its willingness to enter into serious commitments in respect of all stakeholders.”
   Strategically, the combination of PPG and AkzoNobel would deliver an enhanced global player in paints, coatings and specialty materials, combining complementary products, technologies and geographies, and would create a stronger competitor in a highly competitive global marketplace, offering a broader line of products and technologies cost-effectively to a more diverse customer base. Financially, the combination would create a stronger enterprise with a solid investment grade rating.
   PPG envisions that the heritage of AkzoNobel’s culture and best practices will be reflected in the composition of the combined company, and in the locations where it would operate. The combination would continue the legacies of both companies, including the use of flagship brands and technologies, investment in research, development and innovation, and the companies’ longstanding commitment to being good employers and corporate citizens that operate in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
   PPG, in conjunction with its financial and legal advisors, has devoted significant time and resources to analyzing a potential combination of PPG and AkzoNobel and is confident in its ability to execute and complete the proposed transaction and to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals.
   This is a public announcement by PPG pursuant to the provisions of section 4 paragraph 3 of the Decree on Public Takeover Bids (Besluit openbare biedingen Wft) of the Netherlands in connection with a potential voluntary public offer by PPG for all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of AkzoNobel. This announcement does not constitute an offer, or any solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities. Any offer will be made only by means of an offer memorandum. This announcement is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, in, into or from, directly or indirectly, any other jurisdiction in which such release, publication or distribution would be unlawful.