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Thyssenkrupp steel JV talks slow over consumer agreement conversations, sources state

Thyssenkrupp and EPH are facing hold-ups in talks about a steel joint endeavor as continuous agreement settlements with vehicle clients hinder the German group's efforts to work up a needed company strategy, 3 people knowledgeable about the matter said.

The issue underscores ongoing difficulties for Thyssenkrupp to find a strategic option for its iconic steel department, which has come under pressure from high raw material and energy rates along with cheap Asian steel imports.

Thyssenkrupp stated in e-mailed remarks that open-ended and useful talks with EPH continued unabated which the business wanted to reach an agreement as soon as possible but would not let itself be hurried into any deals.

Naturally, the difficult environment with a weak economy, increasing raw material costs, high energy expenses and strong competition from non-European market players is having an effect On the outlook for European steel makers and likewise on the continuous talks with EPH, the company stated.

EPH declined to comment.

Sources informed in December that the German firm might have to make monetary sacrifices to get a scheduled 50:50 joint venture with EPH, which first emerged as a prospective partner in June 2023, over the finish line.

Both celebrations still remain interested in continuing discussions however there are distinctions over the outlook for Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, Germany's biggest steelmaker, the people stated.

While both sides are holding talks on less vital elements of a deal, any major efforts by Thyssenkrupp to win EPH and billionaire owner Daniel Kretinsky as a co-shareholder of its steel unit depend upon upgraded organization assumptions that show the sector's changing environment, individuals stated.

That is still out numerous weeks as Thyssenkrupp is working through agreement renegotiations with vehicle customers, its single largest client group, they included.

Thyssenkrupp is hoping that updated contracts will reveal stabilising prospects for the steel department over the next 12-18 months and supply tailwind for its green shift that aims to decarbonise production, one of the people stated.

Thyssenkrupp Chief Executive Miguel Lopez earlier today stated that there was no deadline for conversations with EPH and that Thyssenkrupp was dealing with a brand-new organization plan for steel which would then work as a basis for continuing talks.

Thyssenkrupp said doing that was absolutely necessary in the existing unpredictable world and especially in the steel market, which is heavily depending on financial cycles.

(source: Reuters)