Cleveland-Cliffs Inc, the largest US producer of iron ore pellets, has agreed to buy the US assets of the world’s largest steel maker ArcelorMittal for about $1.4 billion in cash and shares.

The deal, announced by the two companies on Monday, will make Cleveland-Cliffs the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America and, for ArcelorMittal, give it up to a quarter share of Cleveland-Cliffs’ business and allow it to reward shareholders with a share buy-back.

ArcelorMittal shares were up 8.3 per cent in early trading, although it had still not made up for losses last week, when markets tumbled over concerns that rising coronavirus cases would hinder the economic recovery.

Reuters reported on Sunday, citing sources, that ArcelorMittal was in talks to merge its US operations with Cleveland-Cliffs, which bought US steel producer AK Steel for $3 billion in March.

$505 million in cash

ArcelorMittal will receive $505 million upfront in cash and the remaining roughly two-thirds in the form of equity.

The equity arrangement will give ArcelorMittal an initial stake of 16 per cent in Cleveland-Cliffs, which could rise to 25.5 per cent.

The deal will include $2 billion of liabilities, including linked to pensions, putting the overall deal value at $3.4 billion.

ArcelorMittal said it had now passed its target of offloading $2 billion of assets to reduce its debt, allowing it to carry out a $500 million share buy-back. It has previously agreed to sell stakes in its shipping business and in Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau.

Canada, Mexico units

ArcelorMittal said it would continue to serve the North American market through operations in Canada and Mexico, which together made 9 million tonnes of steel last year, and its steel processing facility in Calvert, Alabama, a joint venture with Nippon Steel.

ArcelorMittal’s US business has more than 18,000 employees and 25 facilities, including mines, steel-making facilities and finishing operations. They produced 12.9 million tonnes of steel in 2019.