The Sherwin-Williams paint company has agreed to purchase rival American paint supplier Valspar in a cash deal valued at around $9.3bn.
Sherwin-Williams said it would pay $113 a share, or a premium of about 41% to Valspar's volume weighted average price or the 30 days up to and including March 18.
The company added that the acquisition "enhances Sherwin-Williams' position as a premier global paints and coatings provider", adding: "The transaction results in an exceptional, diversified array of strong brands and technologies, accelerates Sherwin-Williams growth strategy by expanding its global platform in Asia-Pacific and EMEA, and also adds new capabilities in the packaging and coil segments."
The combined company would have pro forma 2015 revenues and adjusted EBITDA (including estimated annual synergies) of approximately $15.6 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, with approximately 58,000 employees.
Sherwin-Williams ceo John G. Morikis said: "Valspar is an excellent strategic fit with Sherwin-Williams. The combination expands our brand portfolio and customer relationships in North America, significantly strengthens our Global Finishes business, and extends our capabilities into new geographies and applications, including a scale platform to grow in Asia-Pacific and EMEA.
"Customers of both companies will benefit from our increased product range, enhanced technology and innovation capabilities, and the transaction's clearly defined cost synergies. We have tremendous respect for the expertise and dedication of the Valspar team and we are excited about the opportunities that this combination will provide to both companies' employees. Sherwin-Williams will continue to be headquartered in Cleveland and we intend to maintain a significant presence in Minneapolis."
Valspar chairmain and ceo Gary E. Hendrickson added: "We are pleased to announce this compelling transaction, which delivers immediate and certain cash value to our stockholders. We believe that Sherwin-Williams is the right partner to utilize our array of brands and create a premier global coatings company.
"The combination of Sherwin-Williams and Valspar will benefit our customers, employees and other stakeholders. We are confident this transaction will create opportunities to accelerate many of the operating initiatives already underway at Valspar.
"We look forward to positioning Valspar to enter its next phase of growth and success and to working closely with Sherwin-Williams to seamlessly close this transaction. Together we will continue to build on the solid momentum our team has worked so hard to create."