NWR and RPGI reach agreement on proposed acquisition

The Board of NWR noted the current challenging environment for the steel and coal sectors and continuing low visibility regarding the global economic conditions for the remainder of 2009.

Consequently the Board decided that notwithstanding the strong industrial and strategic rationale underpinning this investment, it would be prudent not to proceed at this time in order to retain operational flexibility.

Mike Salamon, Executive Chairman of NWR said: “Ferrexpo is Europe’s largest iron ore pellet producer and has one of the world’s largest iron ore deposits. We continue to believe that Ukraine offers exciting opportunities for NWR and that both companies are complementary in the carbon steel raw materials business.

“However, we recognise the limited visibility with respect to how 2009 will evolve and understand our shareholders’ concerns regarding the timing of this acquisition. Nevertheless, we continue to believe that the long-term outlook for both coking coal and iron ore remains attractive in the region and we will continue to work closely with RPGI and Ferrexpo to explore all future strategic options.”

RPGI has expressed its intention to continue holding its stake in Ferrexpo with a view to exploring the long-term strategic options in the regional steel making raw materials sector. In that respect, RPGI will continue its dialogue with both NWR and Ferrexpo.

The Board has invited Kostyantin Zhevago, the controlling shareholder and CEO of Ferrexpo, to join the Board of NWR as a non-independent nonexecutive director. His nomination to the Board will be proposed for approval by shareholders at NWR’s Annual General Meeting on 28 April 2009.

Mike Salamon, executive chairman of NWR and Marek Jelinek, executive director and chief financial officer of NWR have both been invited to join the Board of Ferrexpo.