The bids for participation in the transaction for the selection of a strategic partner for the Smederevo steel mill have been submitted by three companies: United Pilsen S.A. from Luxembourg, Donetsksteel Group from Ukraine and Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company from Russia, the Serbian government stated Monday.

In accordance with the public call for the selection of a strategic partner for the Smederevo steel mill Ltd, these companies purchased the transaction documents by 4 p.m. on April 27, 2012, it was stated by the government's Media Relations Office.
According to the official website, United Pilsen is a part of the United Group which also owns Pilsen Steel in the Czech
Republic and Bumash company in Russia for metallurgical production.

Pilsen Steel is one of the largest metallurgical and engineering companies in Eastern Europe, and manufactures special steel products used in shipbuilding, energy and automotive industries, and other sectors.

The company was created by a merger of two factories that had earlier operated within the car manufacturer Skoda.
The Donetsksteel Group owns a high calorie coal mine, two coke factories and two steel mills.The company is one of the biggest coke producers in Europe, and manufactures various types of steel of both low and high quality.

The Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company is one of the largest companies in Russia.Based on information available on its website, Ural encompasses over 50 companies operating in Russia, and its annual revenue amounts to several billions of US dollars.The company's main activities are within the mining and metallurgical sector and the car industry.

The Ministry of Finance issued on April 18 a public call for a strategic partner for the Smederevo steel mill, and the deadline for bids expires on May 4.