Tata Steel Limited (BSE:500470), ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and Electrosteel Steels Limited (ESL Steel) may participate in the strategic disinvestment of Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL). “We always look for growth opportunities. Therefore, we are evaluating participation in NINL disinvestment programme as well,” Dilip Oommen, Chief Executive Officer, AM/NS India, said, in response to a query on whether the company would consider participation.

Pankaj Malhan, Chief Executive Officer, ESL Steel, said, “We are serious about the asset. We are a long products company and it's a logical extension”. “Also, with the kind of focus that the government of India has on infrastructure, we would like to bet big on longs,” Malhan added.

Sources said that Tata Steel is looking to step up its exposure in long products and is planning to submit an expression of interest (EOI). Malhan said that there was opportunity for expansion of capacity for NINL.