AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas has announced that it has bought out its joint venture partner, Comex, to assume full responsibility for the marketing and distribution of the Sikkens, Lesonal, U-Tech and Wanda brands in Mexico.
During the 15-year joint venture period, AkzoNobel says it solidified its presence and advanced refinish technologies with key businesses in the Mexican market. This has been achieved through a network of Comex concessionaries and more than 200 independent distributors.
“The Comex organization has been an integral component to our success in Mexico," said Jim Rees, managing director Car Refinishes. “Comex and the Achar family have been stellar partners. The long and respected business history of Comex provided AkzoNobel with a solid foundation for establishing itself in the collision repair industry in Mexico. Today, we are secure in our knowledge that this is a viable and growing market. We look forward to being an integral part of the business community for many years to come.”
AkzoNobel will continue to market its full range of car refinish brands: Sikkens, Lesonal, U-Tech and Wanda. Access to these products will be available through the current chain of Comex locations and a network of independent distributors.
AB Ghosh, general manager, Car Refinishes Americas, added, “We have had significant success with a variety of clients including Toyota, General Motors, the Public Transportation System in Mexico City and most recently AXA Insurance Company that awarded Sikkens as the preferred paint brand for their affiliated nationwide bodyshop network. We see much more opportunity in the future and look forward to significant growth.”
