Integration processes in the Russian metals sector: current state and development prospects
Current integration processes form the basis for development of metallurgical companies. In this regard, the paper focused on an integrated statistical study of the current state and key guidelines for development of integration processes in the metals sector ofthe Russian Federation. With this object in view, the article analyzes key development trends for the global metallurgy and their influence on the sector-specific activity in the field of mergers and acquisitions; it also presents a statistical analysis of integration processes and key guidelines for development of the Russian metallurgy industry; and reveals key trends in M&A deals with participation of Russian metallurgical holdings. The authors focus on the analysis of the metals sector of the world and the Russian economy. The analysis performed highlighted the following key trends in development of the metallurgy industry: a refocusing of steel production and consumption by regions of the world, an active search for sources of raw materials, an increase in the output of high value-added products, etc. The article presents generalized analysis results of integration processes in the global and the Russian metallurgy industry. It was shown that main objectives of integration deals in the steelmaking sector included an increase in raw materials supply, a steady growth of profitability, expansion of the geography of production, an access to new technologies. The results of the conducted research led the authors to the conclusion that the M&A market in the metals sector of the Russian economy is developing in line with global trends, and it is reasonable for Russian metallurgical holdings, striving to become noticeable world market players, to be more active in the field of integration.