Akzo Nobel India is adopting a more aggressive strategy to drive top-line growth and capture market share, according to Rajiv Rajgopal, the company’s Chairman and Managing Director. The company’s headline numbers were muted due to the carve-out of its powder coatings business. However, Rajgopal pointed to underlying strength, particularly in the premium segment, which continues to deliver steady growth.

Rajgopal does not expect the intensity in the paint industry to ease anytime soon. “We should expect competitive intensity to continue, at least for a year, if not a year and a half,” he said, citing the sizeable capital expenditure by new entrants, including Birla Opus. He said Akzo is well prepared for this environment and treats every competitor seriously.

He expects an acceleration i

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