By EVAN ROBINSON-JOHNSON, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Despite the uncertainty swirling around a once-in-a-generation steel acquisition that has Japanese investors and the American politico on the edge of their seats, Takahiro Mori remains “excited about the future.”
“I don’t care about the noises or criticism, because I’m very confident that our deal is the best,” he said Wednesday during a lengthy sit-down interview with the Post-Gazette.
Mr. Mori is the Nippon Steel executive charged with landing the $14.9 billion takeover of U.S. Steel, first announced in December, which has attracted sharp rebuke from all levels of government, and continued barbs from a union unswayed by the Japanese steelmaker’s overtures.
During a wide-ranging conversation, Mr. Mori addressed the political challenges to sealing the deal and shed new light on the negotiations so far. He also divulged details on talks with the Japanese government and discussed how relocating Nippon Steel North America’s headquarters from Houston to Pittsburgh will benefit the state economy.
Related:
U.S. Steel accuses Cleveland-Cliffs of misinformation campaign
US Steel shareholders approve takeover by Japan’s Nippon Steel
Opposition to takeover 100 precent political (CNBC TV)
The move isn’t just symbolic, Mr. Mori said.
“We have eight companies in the United States, and [Nippon Steel North America] is a holding company. That means all the federal taxes are currently going to Texas, but now are coming here.”
Mr. Mori said he personally offered that incentive to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
“‘Can you commit it,’ he asked me, and I answered, ‘Yes, I’m the man that determines such kinds of things,’ ” Mr. Mori said. “He appreciated that.”
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