Brazilian steelmaker CSN said on it had agreed to buy Anglo-Dutch rival Corus for 4.9 billion pounds, trumping an offer from India’s Tata Steel announced only hours before.
Companhia Siderurgica Nacional said it would pay 515 pence a share in cash for each Corus share, topping Tata Steel’s offer of 500 pence a share.
Corus shares leapt more than 5 percent to a new high of 527 pence on hopes the bid battle would yield an even higher offer.
Tata Steel, which kick-started the battle with a 455-pence-a-share offer, said it was considering its position.