We have no intention of shutting down plants. We have always said there will be no redundancies or lay-offs as a result of this merger.

Everyone experiences tough times, it is a measure of your determination and dedication how you deal with them and how you can come through them.

In the past twenty years, we have lived through several cycles and we have always managed to buy under good terms and conditions at the right time. This has enabled us to build a solid group that is now the world number one.

It's true that I run a multi-national group but I have no interests in India. So please tell me, what should my identity be?

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

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

We have experienced highly challenging global market conditions in the past quarter with significant steel price decline in all regions.