A multi-stage polymer composition comprising a crosslinked core having a Tg of from −85 to −10° C.; an intermediate region which comprises one or more intermediate layers, wherein each of the intermediate layers comprises from 88.5 to 99.9 weight percent of units derived from a one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, from 0 to 5 weight percent of units derived from a cross-linking monomer, a graft-linking monomer, or a combination of two or more thereof, optionally from 0 to 2 weight percent units derived from one or more chain transfer agents; wherein there is a compositional gradient between the intermediate layers such that the Tg transitions from −30° C. to 70° C. over the width of the intermediate region, and an outermost layer which has a Tg of from 40° C. to 110° C. is provided.