Friday, June 9 2006 10:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Mittal Steel, owned by NRI steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, yesterday (June 9, 2006) announced that the Canadian Competition Bureau had confirmed it would not challenge Mittal's bid to acquire Arcelor.

"The clearance is unconditional," a Mittal Steel press release said.

"Along with granting of EU anti-trust clearance on June 2, 2006 and expiry of waiting period under the US Hart- Scott-Radino Antitrust improvements Act of 1976 on May 11, 2006, this clearance is a further positive and important step towards the successful completion of Mittal's bid," it said.

Mittal Steel said no offer to exchange or purchase any Arcelor shares or convertible bonds has been or will be made in the Netherlands or in any jurisdiction other than Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Spain and the United States.