CHEMICALS company ICI has agreed to a take over by one of its rivals, which is one of Darwen's biggest employers.
The speciality chemicals firm has accepted an offer from Dutch company Akzo Nobel of 670p per share, which values ICI at £8billion.
Akzo Nobel, employs about 650 people at its Crown Paints manufacturing site at Crown House, Hollins Road, Darwen.
It first approached ICI in June with an offer of 600p a share but was rebuffed, and a second offer in July of 650p a share as also rejected.
The takeover will have to be cleared by regulators, who may be concerned that owning both Crown and Dulux will give Akzo too much of the UK paint market.
As part of the deal, German-based Henkel - which produces of goods including Persil washing powder - will buy ICI's adhesives and electronic materials unit for £2.7billion.
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