The case covers events leading to the hostile bid for AkzoNobel by PPG in 2017, the market response that it prompted, and AkzoNobel’s takeover defenses including the divestment of a business area and large cash payout.

In April 2010, infrastructure fund Njord Gas Infrastructure AS bought ExxonMobil’s 9.428% stake in Norwegian gas pipelines Gassled. Njord was interested in Gassled’s steady returns and Norway’s regulatory/political consistency and transparency.

Business has traditionally enjoyed a pre-eminent position in the Swiss political economy. This case looks at political conflicts over chemicals and biotechnology regulation and Swiss entry into the European Economic Area, showing how the growing environmentalist movements have challenged this position and that important changes in the Swiss political economy may be imminent.