The two steel makers are seeking to revive Nippon Steel’s $14 billion takeover of U.S. Steel after it was blocked by the Biden administration.

U.S. Steel yesterday disavowed a push from activist investor Ancora Holdings to drop its proposed sale to Japan's Nippon Steel Co. Why it matters: The future of the Pittsburgh icon is in limbo after a proposal to sell the company to Nippon was blocked by then-President Biden four weeks ago,

Activist investor Ancora has nominated nine candidates to U.S. Steel's board of directors, as it looks to oust company CEO David Burritt and push the American steelmaker to back out of a $14.9 billion merger deal with Japan's Nippon Steel.

Activist investor Ancora called for a shakeup in U.S. Steel leadership on Monday and adding new members to the board of directors after the company's failed sale to Nippon Steel.

Ancora Holdings Group said the board of U.S. Steel and its CEO have prioritized the sale to Nippon because they stand to profit if it goes forward.

Another Joe from Delaware—the one finishing up his final days in the White House—apparently sees himself in the same light, having stepped in to nix a $15 billion deal between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel.

Led by Jim Chadwick, Ancora has focused on campaigns at industrial and transportation companies. In recent years, it has secured board seats at Berry Global Group Inc. and Norfolk Southern Corp. In 2024, Ancora won three seats in its proxy battle at Norfolk Southern.

Nucor may be interested in acquiring parts of U.S. Steel if the $14.9 billion deal for Nippon Steel to purchase U.S. Steel falls through.

The asset management firm Ancora is challenging Nippon Steel's proposed acquisition of US Steel following its purchase of a 0.18% stake in the American company. Ancora has accused the US Steel board and CEO David Burritt of pushing the $15 billion deal with Nippon Steel due to a potential $100 million windfall they'll receive if the deal closes.