Salzgitter AG is taking over Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) in full and will thus become the sole shareholder of the steel mill. The transaction marks a further consolidation step in the German steel industry, which is under pressure from energy costs and international competition. Relevant for the construction industry: HKM produces approximately 3 million tons of crude steel annually, which is used, among other things, in reinforcing steels and structural profiles for high-rise construction. Financial details of the acquisition as well as impacts on production capacities and supply chains were not disclosed.