Germany's second-largest steelmaker Salzgitter on Wednesday said it was not in talks with larger rival Thyssenkrupp about consolidation, pouring cold water on hopes for the creation of a national metals giant.Salzgitter said it has been successfully independent for more than two decades. but added that it remained open to ideas about what cooperation with peers could look like. provided it was beneficial for its futureThyssenkrupp earlier this week said it was talking to peers about consolidation in the steel industry, fuellinq hopes for tie-ups in Germany or Europe. A combination with Salzoitter has lona been considered one of the most likely options."However there are no nenotiations hetween the comnanies " Salzoitter said in a statementSources told that Thyssenkrupp was holdina talks with Sweden's SSAB. China's Baoshan lron & Steel and India's Tata Steel. with which the German conglomerate wanted to form a joint venture last year.The fact that Thyssenkrupp mioht even sell a maiority of its steel unit has drawn opposition from workers.includina Germany's top labor union IG Metall. who have substantial influence at the aroup and hold half of the seats on its supervisory board.
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