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AkzoNobel focuses on COVID-19 response

NCR Thierry AkzoNobel

The organisation will be ready to resume momentum towards Winning together: 15 by 20 ambition when markets normalise.

AkzoNobel pauses key parts of the company’s transformation and suspend its 2020 financial ambition in response to significant market disruption resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Once markets normalise, AkzoNobel intends to resume its positive momentum and drive performance in line with industry frontrunners.

The company is taking maximum precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees, while also taking all reasonable steps to sustain business operations and continue serving its customers. AkzoNobel takes care to fully support and comply with the requirements of relevant authorities. In affected countries and regions, employees are working remotely if their jobs allow.

As the situation continues to evolve, the company is constantly adapting its actions.

AkzoNobel CEO, Thierry Vanlancker, commented: “It’s clear COVID-19 is having a huge impact – for you, for us at AkzoNobel, and for the whole world. Our priority right now is the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our partners. At the same time, we’re taking all reasonable steps to continue serving our customers, some of whom are relying on us to provide products across a whole range of critical industries. Headwinds related to COVID-19, including unpredictable and lower end market demand as well as various measures impacting our business operations, are increasing for most parts of the world and will have a significant impact during Q2. In China, activity is gradually returning to normal after being significantly impacted in Q1.”

Vanlancker continued: “The supply and demand balance and regulatory situation are complex, constantly evolving, and differs per region and segment. There is currently little reliable visibility on Q2, however we expect end market demand to be significantly below any of our previous expectations. “We are closely monitoring the pandemic situation and taking all necessary measures, including steps to rapidly reduce costs and carefully manage cash flows in the short-term. The significant market disruption forces us to pause key parts of our transformation and hence to suspend our 2020 financial ambition. Once markets normalise, we remain eager and passionate to resume our Winning together: 15 by 20 momentum to drive AkzoNobel’s performance in line with industry frontrunners.”

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