Smederevo

BELGRADE - The Serbian government decided not to sign a contract with the US steel producer and distributor Esmark, after being advised to do so by the privatization advisor (KPMG) and the commission for the implementation of a strategic partnership model for the privatization of Zelezara Smederevo, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said Tuesday.

Government rejects U.S. company's offer for steel mill

BELGRADE -- The Serbian government on Tuesday decided against selling an 80-percent stake in the Smederevo-based Zelezara steel mill to the U.S. company Esmark.

This was announced by Prime Minister Aleksanadar Vucic during a news conference.

Decision on Smederevo steel plant to be made on Tuesday

BELGRADE -- The Serbian government will on Tuesday make its final decision on whether to allow the U.S. company Esmark to become majority owner of the Zelezara steel plant.

The decision will be made "after difficult negotiations," Tanjug is reporting.

BELGRADE - Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said Monday that the Serbian government had received a counteroffer from US steel firm Esmark late on Sunday and the revised offer would be discussed today.

EU asked for more time as steel plant talks continue

BELGRADE -- EU is not yet considering the request of the government of Serbia to be granted additional time to complete negotiations with the U.S. company Esmark.

The negotiations concern the sale of the Zelezara steel plant in the town of Smederevo.

Steel maker's unions, Esmark reach deal

BELGRADE -- Esmark has signed an agreement with delayed effect on a coordinated collective agreement that should increase salaries in Zelezara by some 25 percent.

The U.S company is currently in negotiations with the Serbian government on a strategic partnership in the Smederevo steel mill Zelezara.

BELGRADE - Representatives of the US-based Esmark Inc., which is in negotiations with the Serbian government on a strategic partnership in the Smederevo steel mill, have signed an agreement with delayed effect on a coordinated collective agreement, which will see the salaries of the plant's employees rise by about 25 percent.

VIENNA - Serbia may achieve greater growth than the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) program projects, but it depends on the outcome of the privatization of Zelezara Smederevo and other companies, including those on the Privatization Agency's list, Serbia's Finance Minister Dusan Vujovic said Tuesday.

Steel plant sale negotiations "not easy"

BELGRADE -- The business plan for Zelezara Smederevo steel plant needs be in line with the agreement with the IMF and with EU rules, says Zeljko Sertic.

The Serbian economy minister at the same time "stressed that he is optimistic about reaching consensus on a strategic partnership with U.S. steel firm Esmark," Tanjug reported.

BELGRADE - The business plan for Zelezara Smederevo steel plant needs be in line with the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and with EU rules, Serbian Economy Minister Zeljko Sertic has said, stressing that he is optimistic about reaching consensus on a strategic partnership with US steel firm Esmark.