Once employing 310,000 employees in over 60 countries, it was a major player in all its main markets: automotive, construction, metal processing, primary transformation, household appliances, and packaging, as well as general industry.

In January 2006 Arcelor announced the acquisition of Dofasco, Canada's largest steel producer with an annual output of 4.4 million tons.

[3][4] Arcelor's merger with Mittal created the worldwide leader in the steel industry, increasing its bargaining power with suppliers and consumers.

The French opposition was initially very fierce and has been criticized in the Indian media as double standards and economic nationalism in Europe.

Further the combined markets of France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain chided Arcelor management and suspended trading of its stock.