ARNHEM, The Netherlands - Akzo Nobel announced an agreement to acquire Plascon UK's United Kingdom and Ireland specialty paint businesses, which manufacture high-performance coatings for a range of decorative and protective markets. The products are sold under the International brand name.

Plascon UK posted total sales in the United Kingdom and Ireland of 13 million euros in 2001.

Rudy van der Meer, the member of the Akzo Nobel board responsible for coatings, said the acquisition "fits perfectly into Akzo Nobel Coatings' expansion strategy." The acquired businesses provide "an excellent springboard to enter and participate in a traditionally functional section of the decorative market where the International brand has great authority," he said.