Nippon Steel, is determined acquire U.S. Steel, an iconic American company, in a deal valued at $14 billion. According to sources the deal is likely to go through. This proposed acquisition has become a political focus, with both US President Joe Biden and Former US President Donald Trump both expressing opposition to the deal both emphasizing the importance of U.S. Steel remaining American-owned. Below we will dive into the latest developments in Nippon Steel’s efforts to acquire U.S. Steel.
Nippon Steel’s Arguments for the Acquisition
According to a recent Nippon Steel statement, made after US President Joe Biden’s announcement of opposition:
“We are moving forward with the regulatory review process, including CFIUS, and have confidence in the rule of law, objectivity and due process we expect from the US government. We are determined to follow through and complete the transaction”
Nippon Steel maintains that the acquisition would be beneficial for a multitude of stakeholders, including:
- U.S. Steel: Nippon Steel argues that the deal would provide U.S. Steel with increased financial resources and access to advanced technologies, ultimately strengthening its position and competitiveness.
- Union Workers: Nippon Steel has pledged job security for workers until September 2026 under certain conditions. Additionally, they have committed to a significant increase in the current collective bargaining agreement, along with pension security and other benefits. The company also promised that, at the close of the transaction, Nippon Steel will additionally invest $1.4 billion, increasing the current collective bargaining agreement by over 140%.
- American Steel Industry: The acquisition, according to Nippon Steel, would bolster the entire American steel industry by enhancing quality and competitiveness. They claim to be the ideal partner to achieve this while complying with antitrust regulations, something no other US company can accomplish alone.
- National Security: Nippon Steel emphasizes that the deal would strengthen American supply chains and economic defenses against China. They argue that a robust domestic steel industry is crucial for national security.
U.S. Steel Workers Union Opposes the Deal
The United Steelworkers (USW) union, which represents a significant portion of U.S. Steel’s workforce, has voiced its opposition to the acquisition. They argue that foreign ownership of such a critical industry poses a threat to American jobs and national security. President Biden’s stance aligns with the USW’s concerns.
The Road Ahead
The future of the deal hinges on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a US government body that scrutinizes foreign acquisitions for potential national security risks. While Nippon Steel expresses confidence in the regulatory process, CFIUS has the authority to block the deal.
Key Points from Nippon Steel’s Statement
- The acquisition will bring substantial advantages to U.S. Steel, its workers, the broader American steel industry, and US national security.
- Financial investment and technology sharing from Nippon Steel will enhance U.S. Steel’s competitiveness.
- They are committed to prioritizing the well-being of U.S. Steel’s workforce through job security, pension security, and increased investment.
- Nippon Steel has a proven track record of successful collaboration with American workers at their existing US facilities.
- They believe they are the ideal partner to ensure U.S. Steel’s continued success as an American company.
- Wheeling Nippon Steel, a 100% subsidiary of Nippon Steel, is one of the major customers for U. S. Steel’s Mon Valley works in PA.
- Wheeling Nippon Steel has a successful track record going back over 40 years, after Wheeling Pittsburgh went into bankruptcy and became 100% subsidiary of Nippon Steel with USW represented employees.
Additional Considerations
- Nippon Steel has a long-standing relationship with the US steel industry, having imported metallurgical coal from various American states for over 70 years.
- Wheeling Nippon Steel (pictured above) , a subsidiary of Nippon Steel, is a major customer of U.S. Steel and has a successful history of operating facilities with approximately 4,000 American employees, including 620 employees represented by USW.
In a recent statement Nippon Steel’s Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori, was quoted as saying “Not only are we keeping the Pittsburgh headquarters – which other bidders would not be able to do – but we are planning to move Nippon Steel’s existing U.S. headquarters from Houston to Pittsburgh,”
This acquisition highlights the complex interplay between economic interests, national security concerns, and the fate of American manufacturing jobs. Only time will tell whether Nippon Steel can convince the US government and the USW that this deal is ultimately in the best interest of all parties.
Check out some of our other articles on the topic of the US Steel acquisition:
Biden and Trump Oppose Nippon Steel’s U.S. Steel Acquisition
Nippon acquisition of US Steel – Unintended consequences for steel distribution?
US Steel Acquisition: Nippon Embraces USW Challenge
US Steel / Nippon Steel Deal Poses More Questions Than Answers
