Novolipetsk Steel to acquire international steel trading companies

OJSC Novolipetsk Steel (LSE: NLMK), the leading Russian steel producer, announces today that its 100% owned subsidiary, NLMK International BV (Netherlands), has signed an agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Novexco (Cyprus) Limited and 100% of Novex Trading (Swiss) S.A., both trading companies, from the United Steel Group (USG). The acquisition price is approximately Euro 77 million. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

This transaction is in line with the Company’s strategy to establish an international trading department within the Group and is designed to better control the Company’s export sales and further enhance its presence in core export markets. 

In 2007, Novex Trading (Swiss) S.A. and Novexco (Cyprus) Limited acquired the trading business of Steelco Mediterranean Trading Ltd., Tuscany Intertrade (UK), and Moorfield Commodities Company, the international wholesale traders that were exclusive export traders of NLMK’s products for several years. The client base and all other business operations related to these trading companies were transferred to the acquirers.

 
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Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK)

Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK) is one of the world’s most profitable steel companies, with EBITDA margin over 40%, and one of the three largest flat steel producers in Russia, with over 9 million tonnes of crude steel capacity. NLMK’s production facilities are among the most technologically advanced in Russia, producing flat steel products in a variety of grades and sizes.

 Steelco Mediterranean Trading Ltd. is a trading company specializing in slabs supply to the countries of North America and South-East Asia.

Tuscany Intertrade (UK) is a trading company supplying, hot- and cold-rolled steel primarily(up to 90% of steel products) to EU countries.

Moorfield Commodities Company is a trading company supplying electrical steel, hot- and cold-rolled steel primarily to European countries.