Akzo Nobel's Decorative Coatings North America business unit has assumed direct responsibility for North American marketing and manufacturing of the company's Synteko brand of premium wood-floor coatings.

Moly-White Pigments Group has appointed The Cary Co., Addison, IL, exclusive distributor of Moly-White corrosion inhibitors

Engelhard Corp. announced the launch of an alliance with Nippon Sheet Glass, Osaka, Japan, to develop and market new special-effect pigments

Swada Colours announced the opening of a new warehouse and customer-service location

PPG Industries Inc. announced the introduction of the "Optech" clearcoat, a one-component automotive clearcoat designed to offer enhanced mar and environmental etch resistance in automotive OEM applications.

Was Retired President of Brod-Dugan Co.

Sun Chemical Corp. completed the acquisition of Bayer Polymers L.L.C.'s high-performance organic pigment business.

UCB S.A. announced the acquisition of Air Products and Chemicals Inc.'s graphic-arts business for $14 million in cash.

Solutia Inc. has completed the sale of its Resins, Additives and Adhesives business to UCB S.A. for $500 million in cash.

Benjamin Moore & Co. announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Denis Abrams has been named president, effective March 1.