This invention relates to a process for producing a composition characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) preparing an aqueous solution of at least one comb polymer of (meth)acrylic acid onto which is grafted a function of alkoxy and/or hydroxy polyalkylene glycol, b) preparing an aqueous emulsion of at least one acrylic thickener, c) mixing the aqueous solution from step a) with the aqueous emulsion from step b), possibly adding water, and in that one partially neutralizes the comb polymer during step a) and/or step c), in such a way as to obtain a mixture whose pH is between 5.5 and 6.8, preferentially between 5.8 and 6.3. The invention also concerns the product obtained and its utilization in a paper coating for paper, as a thickening agent for said coating and/or as a water retention agent for said coating and/or as an agent improving the brightness and/or the optical azuration of the paper coated with said coating.