The Dutch group AKZO NOBEL (combined turnover of EUR 14 billion in 2001 with 67,000 employed) is to acquire the "powder coating" business of the American group FERRO CORPORATION, in the United States and in the Asia Pacific region, for an estimated $73 million. Furthermore, AKZO NOBEL has acquired the French group JOUANNE (turnover EUR 7.5 million in 2001), specialised in paint for commercial vehicles.