The vice chairman of Nippon Steel has expressed hope that former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will help the Japanese company realize its acquisition of United States Steel as an adviser.
Mori Takahiro said at a news conference on Thursday that Pompeo is a “strong” adviser with connections to both Republicans and Democrats, commanding respect from both parties.
Pompeo was the top US diplomat in the administration of former President Donald Trump, who is the Republican candidate for the November presidential election.
Trump has sided with the United Steelworkers union in opposing the acquisition of US Steel, as has President Joe Biden.
Biden ended his bid for reelection in July, with Vice President Kamala Harris now expected to be the Democratic nominee.
Mori said that whichever candidate wins the election will understand the upside of the acquisition deal as it involves investment for growth.
He added that Nippon Steel will step up its efforts toward the purchase, including holding talks in the US.
Nippon Steel and US Steel announced last December that they had entered into an agreement that would enable the Japanese firm to acquire the US corporation.