Disclaimer

In this Report 2019, great care has been taken in drawing up the properties and qualifications of the product features. No rights can be derived from these descriptions. The reader is advised to consult the available product specifications themselves. These are available through the relevant business units. In this publication the terms “AkzoNobel” and “the company” refer to Akzo Nobel N.V. and its consolidated companies in general. The company is a holding company registered in the Netherlands. Business activities are conducted by operating subsidiaries throughout the world. The terms “we”, “our” and “us” are used to describe the company; where they are used in the chapter “Business performance”, they mainly refer to the business concerned.

Safe harbor statement

This Report 2019 contains statements which address such key issues as AkzoNobel’s growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, products in the pipeline and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecast and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates, supported by information provided by specialized external agencies.

Integrated Report 2019

AkzoNobel’s annual financial report has been combined with the sustainability report into one Report 2019. The Report 2019 includes elements of the reporting guidelines issued by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). The sustainability sections, however, in no way form part of the company’s annual report as the company is required to publish pursuant to Dutch law.

Brands and trademarks

In this Report 2019, reference is made to brands and trademarks owned by, or licensed to, AkzoNobel. Unauthorized use of these is strictly prohibited.