The paint and coatings market continues to consolidate as the major players gobble up small- to medium-size companies. Many companies are positioning themselves in regions where they previously did not have a significant presence. This year we had to remove five companies from our Top Companies Report.

Cromology (France) was acquired by Nippon Paints’ Dulux Group. Cromology is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of decorative paints and other paint-related products in Europe.  Cromology is the fourth largest architectural paints manufacturer in Europe. As a market leader in the architectural paints market, Cromology operates in broad markets in Europe with high market share, rated top three in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Cromology’s integrated wholly owned network of 386 company operated stores across France, Portugal and Switzerland presents an opportunity to leverage DuluxGroup’s operational capability in running trade centers, the company noted in a press statement. It also provides a strong platform to leverage DuluxGroup’s capabilities in selling to DIY consumers in retail channels such as big box hardware and independent hardware. Finally,

it also presents an opportunity to launch other brands in the DuluxGroup’s portfolio, including in Woodcare and Texture coatings and sealants, adhesives and fillers.

PPG further solidified its presence in Europe with its acquisitions of Karworwag (Germany) and Tikkurila (Finland). Wörwag is a global manufacturer of coatings for industrial and automotive applications. Tikkurila is a leading producer and distributor of decorative paint and coatings with operations in 11 countries and more than 80% of its revenue coming from Finland, Sweden, Russia, Poland, and the Baltic states.

Industria Titan (Spain) and Pintuco (Colombia) were acquired by AkzoNobel. The acquisition of Industria Titan strengthens its paints business and footprint in Spain. The transaction includes three production facilities and seven logistics and service centers for decorative paints, including one of the most modern manufacturing plants for water-based paints in Europe in El Prat de Llobregat, near Barcelona.

AkzoNobel further expands its long-term position in South and Central America with its acquisition of the Colombia-based paint and coatings company Grupo Orbis. Present in ten countries in South America, Central America and the Antilles, the transaction includes the Pintuco paint and coatings business.