As first reported by Fastmarkets AMM and, later S&P Global Platts, the company said it has declined offers to be acquired and has chosen to remain a stand-alone producer.

“Big River Steel's owners came together to build a growth platform in the steel industry through greenfield projects and bold acquisitions and that is what we intend to do," Big River spokeswoman Patty Rioux told Platts. 

In an interview with American Metal Market, chief executive David Stickler said that although the company will remain independent, it would consider joint venture opportunities and confirmed that it is considering a second mill, even as it moves to double capacity at its Arkansas plant.

"The group wants to stay together, build the platform and not exit the market. We think that there is tremendous opportunity ahead for Big River Steel,” Stickler told Fastmarkets AMM.