Steel Products
U.S. Steel to Acquire 49.9% Ownership in Big River Steel
Written by Sandy Williams
October 1, 2019
U.S. Steel announced today a joint venture partnership agreement under which it has taken the first step towards acquiring Big River Steel through the purchase of a 49.9 percent ownership interest at a purchase price of approximately $700 million in cash, with a call option to acquire the remaining 50.1 percent within the next four years.
U.S. Steel has committed financing to execute the transaction. The implied enterprise value of Big River, including the expected completion of its Phase II-A expansion, which is fully funded and already under construction, is approximately $2.325 billion. Big River Steel’s original owners will hold certain options related to the future ownership make up of Big River Steel should U. S. Steel choose not to exercise its option.
“Our new partnership with Big River is designed to accelerate our strategy to offer our customers the ‘best of both’ by bringing together the capabilities of integrated and mini mill steel production,” said U.S Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt.
Closing of the transaction is anticipated on October 31, 2019, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Products
Active rig counts stable in US and Canada
US drill rig activity saw a slight increase from last week but continues to hover near multi-year lows. In Canada, rig counts dipped last week but near one of the highest levels recorded in the past seven months.
Nucor (officially) holds plate prices steady again
Nucor said it would keep plate prices unchanged in a letter to customers on Wednesday. The Charlotte, N.C.-based steelmaker in addition said it was opening its November order book for plate. The company did not specify what its plate price was. It has officially kept prices flat since cutting them by $125 per short ton (st) on July 1.
Worthington Enterprises taps Hayek as president, CEO
Worthington Enterprises has named Joseph Hayek as the company’s next president and CEO, effective Nov. 1. He will replace Andy Rose, who is retiring.
AISI: Steel shipments rose month over month in August
Domestic steel shipments increased month over month but slipped on year in August.
CRU: US longs prices remain mostly flat in October
CRU Senior Steel Analyst Alexandra Anderson shares insight into the current market for long steel products.