Japan's steelmaker Nippon Steel Corporation announced that it has reached a basic agreement to merge its two subsidiaries, Nittetsu Shinko Shearing Co., Ltd. and Fuji Steel Center Co., Ltd., with the integration scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025.

The planned merger is part of Nippon Steel's broader strategy to enhance group-wide management efficiency and better respond to evolving market demands. By consolidating the operations of the two companies, the steelmaker aims to deepen operational ties with its major thick plate production bases, Kimitsu Works and Oita Works.

Despite the merger, both companies will retain their existing names and continue to focus on their core business of steel plate cutting and processing, primarily for applications in the construction and bridge-building sectors.