Govt ready to help Tatas complete Corus acquisition

NEW DELHI: Terming Tatas' successful bid for acquiring Anglo-Dutch steel company Corus as an example of aggressive Indian businesses, Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said the government would be ready to help the industrial house to complete the deal.

"Government will be ready to help Tatas if they have any request to complete the transaction," the Finance Minister told reporters here.

"Although Tatas have not made any requests so far, government will consider providing every help, or help it in getting clearances, say from RBI or Sebi," he said.

Expressing happiness on Tatas clinching the deal, he said: "It is a good example of aggressive, forward looking Indian businesses... We could have never expected such bids a few years ago."

Steel Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Wednesday welcomed Tata Steel's acquisition of Anglo-Dutch steel maker Corus even as the steel industry cautiously reacted saying such acquisitions could raise valuation of steel entities across the globe.

"This acquisition is welcome news and it exhibits the growing importance of Indian steelmakers abroad. We hope they continue to consolidate the industry," Paswan said.