Focus Report: bulking up with bolt on acquisitions: companies target select businesses; Akzo Nobel.

(From Chemical Business NewsBase - Chemical Market Reporter)

Akzo Nobel is pursuing a strategy of acquisitions in its core sectors with the aim of achieving leadership in these markets. Following this strategy the company made several acquisitions in the coatings, chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors in 2002. In Apr 2002 Akzo Nobel acquired global businesses in marine and aerospace coatings of US Paints and NOF Europe. These businesses posted 2001 sales of $30 M. In Jun 2002 Akzo acquired the speciality paints business of Plascon UK; its 2001 sales were $14 M. Also in Jun 2002, Akzo increased its stake by 10% in its joint venture International Paint (Korea), the deal …