TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s largest steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp said on Saturday it has hired former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to help in its efforts to acquire U.S. Steel.
“We look forward to working with him to further emphasize the ways in which Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel enhances the nation’s economic and national security,” Nippon Steel said in a statement to Reuters.
Japan’s Kyodo News and Bloomberg, which first reported the appointment, said Pompeo was appointed an adviser. Nippon Steel said in its statement that Pompeo was not given a specific job title within the company.
The world’s fourth-largest steelmaker added that Pompeo, who served as secretary of state during Donald Trump’s presidency, was a highly respected figure among Democrats and Republicans alike.
The steelmaker issued its statement overnight in the United States.
Although the two steelmakers have received all regulatory approvals outside the United States for their proposed $14.9 billion merger, they face political opposition and regulatory scrutiny at home.
Nippon Steel is also facing objections from the United Steelworkers (USW) union, which fears the deal could lead to job losses. The Japanese company has pledged to honor agreements between the USW and the USW, while offering some other commitments as well.
Both Republican nominee Trump and President Joe Biden have said they will block the deal.
Nippon Steel said earlier this week that the deal’s chief negotiator, Vice Chairman Takahiro Mori, visited the United States this month, including U.S. Steel facilities, and met with stakeholders and employees.