Tata Steel – Acquisition of Corus
INTRODUCTION
Tata acquired Corus, which is four times larger than its size and the largest steel producer in the U.K. The deal, which creates the world’s fifth-largest steelmaker, is India’s largest ever foreign takeover and follows Mittal Steel’s $31 billion acquisition of rival Arcelor in the same year. Over the past five years, Indian companies had made global acquisitions for over $10 billion. The Tata bid almost equals this amount. Most of them have averaged $100 to 200 million.
“It is a two-way street now,” Kamal Nath (Commerce Minister, India) said. “Not only India is seeking foreign investment, but Indian companies are emerging investors in other countries.”
Tata acquired Corus on the 2nd of April 2007 for a price of $12 billion making the Indian company the world’s fifth largest steel producer. This acquisition process has started long back in the year 2005. However, Corus was involved in a considerable number of Merger & Acquisition (M&A) deals and joint ventures (JVs) before Tata. This process started in the year 2000 and with Tata it came to an end.
Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Steel, said:
“This proposed acquisition represents a defining moment for Tata Steel and is entirely consistent with our strategy of growth through international expansion. Corus and Tata Steel are companies with long, proud histories. We have compatible cultures of commitment to stakeholders and complementary strengths in technology, efficiency, product mix and geographical spread. Together we will be even better equipped to remain at the leading edge of the fast changing steel industry.”
