ARCELOR, which is currently attempting to convince its shareholders that it would be better if it remained independent following a takeover by MITTAL STEEL, is about to invest Yuan 1.8 billion (around EUR 190 million) for a stake, (in negotiations with the Chinese authorities for months now), in steel company LAIWU STEEL CORP. ARCELOR's stake would still be a minority one (38% maximum), in compliance with Chinese legislation, which bans takeovers by foreign companies.