Core Viewpoint - ArcelorMittal SA is in discussions regarding the sale of its South African unit, ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd. (Amsa), with the Industrial Development Corp. (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in South Africa [1][2]. Group 1: Sale Discussions - Ondra Otradovec, head of mergers and acquisitions at ArcelorMittal, is actively engaging with South African authorities about the potential sale of Amsa [1]. - The IDC has completed a due-diligence study on Amsa and is considering a bid of approximately 8.5 billion rand ($488 million), which includes the unit's current debt [3]. - The IDC is also looking for a financial partner to assist with the bid [3]. Group 2: Operational Challenges - Amsa announced plans to close two steel mills critical to South Africa's automotive and mining sectors, which employ around 3,500 people directly, with an additional 100,000 jobs linked to suppliers and customers [4][5]. - The IDC, as a major shareholder in Amsa, has been in discussions to prevent the mill closures and has provided loans to support the steelmaker [4]. - Amsa cites high power prices, inconsistent rail service, low-priced imports, and government policies favoring local competitors as reasons for the mill closures [7]. Group 3: Amsa's Operations - In addition to the long-steel plants, Amsa operates a flat-steel facility in Vanderbijlpark and has idled works in Pretoria and Saldanha, along with a closed iron-ore mine that could potentially be reopened [6].