Charlie Shaver, Axalta Chairman and CEO, Examines Role of Private Equity in Coatings Industry Value Chain
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA) Chairman and CEO, Charlie Shaver, presented insights into the strategic implications of private equity in the coatings industry value chain at a meeting of industry leaders attending the global Coatings Summit in Miami, Florida.
Charlie Shaver, Chairman and CEO, Axalta Coating Systems (Photo: Business Wire)
”Driven largely by the desire to strategically position themselves within the industry, over the past 20 years private equity firms have increased their level of activity within this M&A space,” explained Mr. Shaver. “Paints and coatings face many barriers to entry and the products offered by the companies in this segment are at a low risk of obsolescence. These factors, among others, provide investors with an opportunity for strong cash flow and ROI.”
The analysis examines private equity investments of varying sizes at every strategic point along the coatings value chain. Initially, more investments made upstream in raw materials companies. Over time, the review observes, more investments were completed downstream among coatings manufacturers, distributors and end users of the industry’s products, with private equity playing a major role.
“Private equity firms have an increasingly larger pool of money that needs to be deployed and put to work,” concluded Mr. Shaver. “At the same time, PE firms are becoming more comfortable acquiring companies that can benefit from greater operational efficiencies as well as stronger balance sheets. PE firms are likely to continue to take advantage of opportunities in the hope of improved productivity and returns across the sector.”
The Coatings Summit 2015 conference runs from January 21 to 23 and brings together senior executives in the paint and coatings industry. The event is hosted by the International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC) and the Vincentz Network. Further details can be found at: http://www.european-coatings.com/Events/The-Coatings-Summit-2015
About Axalta Coating Systems
Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, automotive refinish and commercial vehicles to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With more than 145 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 12,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 120,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com and follow us @axalta on twitter.
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Axalta Coating Systems
Matthew N. Winokur
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Source: Axalta Coating Systems
Released January 22, 2015