The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Germany-based Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) by local company Salzgitter Mannesmann GmbH under the EU Merger Regulation. The transaction was reviewed under the simplified merger procedure.
According to the Commission, the proposed acquisition does not raise competition concerns within the European Economic Area.
The Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition due to the companies’ market positions and the limited overlap between their activities.
In February, thyssenkrupp Steel and Salzgitter AG reached an agreement on the future of the HKM joint venture with thyssenkrupp selling its HKM shareholding to the latter, as SteelOrbis previously reported. As part of the arrangement, HKM’s steel deliveries to thyssenkrupp Steel will end at the close of 2028, four years earlier than the previously planned 2032 deadline.
Deal strengthens restructuring efforts in German steel sector
The acquisition is part of broader restructuring and consolidation efforts within Germany’s steel industry, which continues to face weak demand, high energy costs, pressure from decarbonization investments and rising import competition.
The transaction is expected to support operational optimization and long-term strategic positioning for the involved companies.