International Steel Group Inc. has received early termination of the waiting period under Hart-Scott-Rodino Act for the previously announced merger of ISG and Ispat International NV.

Ispat International NV announced on December 17 that it had completed its acquisition of LNM Holdings NV and changed its name to Mittal Steel Co. NV. Mittal Steel will trade on the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam under the ticker symbol "MT," beginning Monday, Dec. 20th and Friday, Dec. 17th, respectively.

The ISG–Mittal Steel merger, which is subject to approval by the ISG and Mittal Steel shareholders and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2005.

International Steel Group Inc. is one of the largest integrated steel producers in North America and among the top ten globally. It produces a variety of steel products including hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated sheets, tin mill products, carbon and alloy plates, wire rod and rail products and semi-finished shapes to serve the automotive, construction, pipe and tube, appliance, container and machinery sectors.