Arcelor SA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lucchini Group for the acquisition of Lucchini's operations in Poland as well as Lucchini's Polish scrap companies, Silscrap and Crapex.

Arcelor intends to reposition these operations in order to produce rebars and merchant bars for the construction market in Poland.

Roland Junck, Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Arcelor's Long Carbon Steel division commented, "This move supports our strategic ambition to expand our operations and production capacity in Eastern Europe where growth rates in the construction sector are attractive."

Arcelor is a leading player of the global steel industry. With a turnover of 30 billion euros in 2004, the company holds leading positions in its main markets: automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging as well as general industry. The company — number one steel producer in Europe and Latin America — intends to further expand internationally in order to capture the growth potential of developing economies and offer technologically advanced steel solutions to its global customers. Arcelor employs 95,000 associates in over 60 countries. The company places its commitment to sustainable development at the heart of its strategy and ambitions to be a benchmark for economic performance, labor relations and social responsibility.