New Ownership for Liberty Steel’s Luxembourg and Czech Facilities Resolves Longstanding Uncertainty

A consortium comprising SPV NH Ostrava and SPV NH Koksovna has finalized an agreement to acquire the primary steel plant and coking operations of Liberty Ostrava for CZK 3.01 billion (€122.6 million). Meanwhile, Luxembourg’s government has placed an offer for the Liberty Steel Dudelange site under liquidation.

Industry analyst Chris Jackson highlighted that the resolution of Ostrava’s future would bring stability to Central Europe’s long steel products market. “Ostrava was the Czech Republic’s largest steel producer, and its closure led to a sharp decline in output,” he stated. “While future operations may employ fewer workers than at peak capacity, its revival is vital for the local economy.”

The Ostrava facility, which partially resumed operations last autumn, specializes in long steel products. At full capacity, it can produce 3.6 million tonnes annually, supporting around 6,000 jobs. The transaction still requires approval from Czech insolvency courts and competition regulators.

Dudelange Site to Be Transformed for New Industries

In contrast, Luxembourg’s government plans to redevelop the 16-hectare Dudelange site—unused since 2021—into a center for high-value industrial activities. Earlier, Turkey’s Tosyali Holding withdrew its bid, citing changes in EU trade policies.

Progress for Former Liberty Steel Plants

The Ostrava deal follows Poland’s Defense Ministry acquiring Huta Częstochowa, with a recent court validating its PLN 253.8 million valuation. Although operating below full capacity since restarting in January, the state-run mill has maintained reliable plate supply with short delivery times.

Jackson noted that Huta Częstochowa’s relaunch occurred during a regional demand slump, with July data showing hot-rolled coil prices down 8.2-8.6% and plate prices falling 2.2-2.7% monthly. Still, “its return has been largely deemed successful, especially for defense-grade plate, though commercial production remains the current priority.”

Ongoing Struggles for Other Liberty Steel Sites

Other GFG Alliance-linked steel plants continue facing financial difficulties. Liberty Galați (Romania’s largest integrated mill) restarted in June after a year-long shutdown, while restructuring talks proceed. In Hungary, Liberty Dunaújváros’ assets are being prepped for sale, but Liberty Liège in Belgium remains unsold since its April 2025 bankruptcy.