According to “Coatings: A Global Strategic Business Report,” a new report by Global Industry Analysts Inc., the global coatings market is expected to reach 8.7 billion gal and $107 billion by 2017.

MAPEI recently announced it will mark its 75-year anniversary this year. Founded as a three-person startup company that manufactured coatings for commercial buildings in Milan, Italy, the MAPEI Group now employs 7,500 people and operates manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and commercial offices worldwide.

PPG Industries recently reported net sales of $3.8 billion for the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 6% compared to the prior year's first quarter.

Akzo Nobel N.V. recently reported first quarter revenue of €3.97 billion (~ $5.24 billion), an increase of 6% compared with the same period in 2011, mainly driven by pricing actions to offset higher raw material costs.

The 2012 American Coatings Show and Conference will be held May 7-10 in Indianapolis.

Dymax Corp. co-founded Bomar Specialties in 1990 and acquired 100% ownership of the company in 2001.

Graco Inc. recently announced it has closed on its $650 million acquisition of the Illinois Tool Works Inc. finishing businesses.

RPM International Inc. recently announced that its Rust-Oleum Group has acquired HiChem Paint Technologies Pty. Ltd.