In our industry today only a strong company with a global reach can ensure long-term employment and provide acceptable returns for shareholders.

There will be no job cuts arising out of this merger in Europe -- this is in the interest of jobs in Europe.

This is not about creating a giant. It's about creating the sustainability of the steel industry.

We are beginning to see the benefits of global consolidation,

It is a high for me. It is my biggest and most satisfying deal,

I understand that this has taken a lot of politicians by surprise. But we believe that this is an important and right step for the steel industry.