AsianFin -- Nippon Steel Corp. is considering raising capital through an equity offering to help finance its $14.1 billion acquisition of United States Steel Corp., as well as fulfill related investment commitments, Vice Chairman Takahiro Mori said Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Tokyo, Mori said the company has not ruled out issuing new shares, though it intends to avoid any measures that would dilute existing shareholders or harm earnings per share (EPS) of the merged entity.

“Given the substantial capital required, equity issuance is certainly on the table,” Mori noted. “That said, we’re not considering any structure that would cause dilution. If we were to move forward, it would be within a range that preserves EPS.”

He did not provide further details on potential financing timelines or structures. The proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, announced in late 2023, still requires regulatory approval and has faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and unions.