Russia’s TMK is currently in the process of acquiring the holding company of their Romanian seamless pipe producer Artrom. On the completion of the 100 percent acquisition of the German trading company Sinara Handel, Artrom will have nearly doubled its capacity from the current 110, 000 tpy to 200, 000 tpy. Artrom’s production of pipe in 2005 totaled 80, 000 tons. The new capacity of 200, 000 tpy is expected to be reached in 2007. Reita, also owned by Sinara, is the tubular billet supplier for Artrom. They produced 285, 000 tons of crude steel in 2005. Around half of their total production was sold to Artrom. (Mar. 7)