Nippon Steel Trading expands in Europe with Slovak service centre acquisition

Nippon Steel Trading Corporation is expanding its European steel processing and distribution activities with the planned acquisition of CLN Slovakia s.r.o., a steel service centre in Košice, eastern Slovakia.

The Japanese trading company announced on October 30, 2026, that its European subsidiary, Nippon Steel Trading Austria GmbH, will acquire all shares in the business from Italian industrial group C.L.N. Coils Lamiere Nastri S.p.A.

The acquisition forms part of Nippon Steel Trading's strategy to strengthen its international operations, with a particular focus on Central and Eastern Europe.

Stronger presence in European automotive supply chains

CLN Slovakia has operated since 2007, specialising in steel slitting and levelling services, primarily for automotive customers. The company employs 69 people and has registered capital of €10 million.

The service centre is located on the premises of Nippon Steel Slovakia s.r.o. (NSSK), providing opportunities for closer operational cooperation within the Nippon Steel Group.

By integrating CLN Slovakia's existing processing facilities, customer relationships and logistics capabilities, Nippon Steel Trading aims to expand its value-added services and improve the reliability of local steel supply.

While automotive manufacturing remains a key market, the company also sees opportunities in construction, industrial machinery, household appliances and solar energy.

Integration with Nippon Steel's European operations

The acquisition is intended to strengthen cooperation between Nippon Steel Trading and Nippon Steel Corporation's existing European operations.

The location within the NSSK premises is expected to facilitate information exchange, operational coordination and closer integration of steel processing and distribution activities.

Nippon Steel Trading also expects the investment to support its efforts to localise operations in Europe and improve its competitiveness in regional manufacturing supply chains.

Following completion of the transaction, CLN Slovakia is scheduled to be renamed NST Service Center Slovakia s.r.o.

The company has not disclosed the purchase price or an expected completion date.

Source and Photo: Nippon Steel