Americas top stories: weekly summary

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News from the week ended 12 May 2017:

Dutch AkzoNobel rejects third bid from US PPG as takeover battle continues
AkzoNobel said on Monday it has rejected the third takeover bid by US paints and coatings firm PPG Industries, as the sweetened offer still undervalues the Dutch specialty chemicals producer.

Chem company management rewarded for M&A – banker
Chemical merger and acquisition (M&A) activity “has been on fire and continues to be” as the management of companies are getting rewarded for growth in all forms, an investment banker said on Tuesday.

US Interior Department pledges to fight public land flaring rule
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) said it has reviewed and flagged a rule regulating flaring and venting emissions from drilling on public lands after the US senate voted against a resolution on Wednesday to repeal those rules.

Dow unveils $4bn of new capacity investment to 2022
Dow is to invest in an expansion to its recently completed Texas cracker and develop flagship new polyethylene and polyolefin capacities in the US and Europe as part of a five-year investment campaign, the US-headquartered chemicals firm said on Thursday.

US May propylene contracts fall 16% on improved supply
US May propylene contract prices have settled down 7.5 cents/lb from April, market sources confirmed on Friday, as derivative turnarounds have curbed demand and helped rebuild supply.