NSSMC to strengthen expertise

Global steel leader ArcelorMittal has signed a joint venture formation agreement with Japan’s Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC) in relation to its offer to acquire Essar Steel India Limited.

The company’s subsidiary ArcelorMittal India Private Limited (AMIPL) submitted a Resolution Plan for Essar on 12 February, which outlined the intention to have NSSMC formally join its bid for Essar Steel.

Should the submitted Resolution Plan be selected and formally accepted by India’s National Company Law Tribunal, ArcelorMittal and NSSMC would jointly acquire and manage Essar Steel.

In its Resolution Plan, AMIPL set out a detailed industrial and turnaround plan aimed at restoring Essar Steel’s fortunes, enabling it to realise its full potential and participate in the anticipated steel demand growth in India.

Commenting, Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and CEO, ArcelorMittal, said: “Partnering with NSSMC for Essar Steel was always our intention and adds further strength to our offer.

“Combining our experience and expertise creates a powerful partnership that has a proven track record – our rich history of positive collaboration dates back more than 20 years with three joint ventures in the US.

“We believe that together we can contribute our knowledge and technology to support a rapid turn-around in Essar’s performance, enabling it to increase production, enhance its product capabilities and make a meaningful contribution to the future growth of India’s manufacturing sector and the development of its economy,” he said. fii-news.com