AKZO NOBEL

   The international concern that resulted in 1994 from a merger of the Dutch AKZO and the Swedish Nobel firm. AKZO’s roots go back to the 19th century with the Algemene Kunstzijde Unie (AKU), manufacturerof synthetic fibers, and the Koninklijke Zout-Organon (KZO), manufacturer of salt and chemical products (including medicine), which joined as AKZO in 1969. Akzo Nobel is manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, coatings, and chemicals. In 1998, it acquired Courtaulds, a leading chemical company in high-tech industrial coatings and fibers. The company is headquartered in Arnhem, has activities in more than 80 countries, and employs about 61,000 people.

   See also FENTENER VAN VLISSINGEN.