It's been a long time coming, but the consolidation rumors in the U.S. steel industry finally are turning into realty. International Steel Group (buyer of three former LTV Corp. mills) received court approval to purchase bankrupt Acme Metals in September and now is eyeing limping giant Bethlehem Steel like a fat steak after a fast. And with Nucor's recent acquisition of the former Trico plant in Decatur, Ala., Fate is handing out Winner and Loser nametags at the big steel dance with greater frequency. When the topic of winners and losers comes up, Nucor's name seems to pop up pretty quickly on the winner side. The Charlotte, N.C.-based mini-mill behemoth reported a 91 percent increase in earnings in the third quarter of 2002 and is looking to expand its reach both domestically and globally when the right opportunities arise, Executive Vice president John Ferriola said.
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