Akzo Nobel is to sell Crown paints to secure an acquisition of ICI, which own Dulux, in accordance with the European Commission.

The Commission was concerned that without the sale, Akzo would become too dominant in the UK and Ireland paint markets.

Akzo Nobel's network of Crown Decorator Centres and brands such as Crown, Permoglaze and Sandtex will be sold in addition to manufacturing sites and warehouses in Belfast, Dublin, Darwen, Hull and Warrington.


Hans Wijers, Chief Executive of Akzo Nobel said: "We will be making every effort to ensure that these excellent businesses are transferred to the most appropriate new owners who will build on the successes that these activities have already achieved."

The European Commission has now cleared the merger, in addition to the US Federal Trade Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau.

(GK/SP)