Mr Roeland Baan CEO of Mittal Steel Europe is reported to have said that Mittal Steel wants to sit down with Arcelorâs board to get to a friendly bid situation but its offer is not open for discussion. Mr Bann said âOur invitation is open; we are ready to talk; the ball is in their court. We want to discuss how best to bring these two companies together. Nobody, not a single banker or analyst, is denying the industrial logic of the deal, only Arcelorâs board.â? He reiterated that Mittal Steel wanted to keep Arcelorâs management. âWe want to retain as many as possible. We have the highest respect for Arcelorâs management,â? he said. Even Mr Dolle would be welcome. âHe is close to retirement, but it would be good to have him aboard because of his knowledge.â?
