In early 2013, Grace Matthews published a white paper titled North American Architectural Coatings: The End Game? In it, we discussed the recent acceleration in architectural coatings mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and likened the "Big Four" - at the time Sherwin-Williams, PPG, Masco and Valspar - to the final table of a poker tournament.

Valentus Specialty Chemicals announced that it has partnered with PoloPlaz Inc., Jacksonville, Arkansas, to create one of the industry’s leading wood floor coatings companies.

DowDuPont™ announced the successful completion of the merger of equals between The Dow Chemical Co. (Dow) and E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (DuPont), effective Aug. 31, 2017.

Clariant AG announced progress towards satisfying the regulatory approval condition to closing its merger of equals with Huntsman Corp.

DuPont and The Dow Chemical Co. announced on August 4 that all required regulatory approvals and clearances have been received, that all conditions to closing of their merger of equals have been satisfied, and that their merger of equals will close after the market closes on August 31, 2017.

Clariant and Huntsman Corp. have presented the first update to shareholders on the planned merger of the two companies.

Specialty chemicals distributor Dunleary Inc. announced new business partners and acquisitions:  D. N. Lukens Inc. and D & F Distributing Inc.

Reichhold and Polynt announced the completion of the merger of the two companies.