Cleveland Cliffs and US Steel have signed a non-disclosure agreement

Cleveland Cliffs and US Steel have agreed to a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) to allow Cliffs to remain a contender to buy all or part of US Steel. US Steel initially sought a six-month'standstill agreement', but the two companies agreed on a two-month standstill window.

As of October 1, neither company has confirmed the NDA or standstill agreement. US Steel has received 'unsolicited proposals' from Cliffs, ArcelorMittal, and Stelco Holdings, but neither has confirmed interest. Cliffs would rank among the world's top 10 steel producers, mostly in Asia, if its bid for US Steel succeeds. The United Steelworkers union has stated that it will only support Cliffs as an acquirer.