Corus restarts sale of aluminium arm

Corus is preparing to restart the sale of its aluminium business, a disposal that was derailed last year by its Dutch workers' council.

In a statement, the steel maker said: "In the announcement of the Placing and Open Offer on 12 November 2003, Corus confirmed that the Group's strategic focus was on its carbon steel assets and that opportunities for the aluminium activities would be explored going forward.

"Further to this, Corus is now entering the early stages of a process to actively consider the options for its aluminium businesses which may lead to discussions with third parties. The Group will also undertake consultation, as appropriate, with the relevant internal parties."

However, Corus' Dutch works council is reported to have said it remains against a sale.

Last year Corus had discussed a sale price of around £750m during talks with French firm Pechiney but the council blocked the deal.

In 2002 the aluminium division reported turnover of £1bn and employs 5,750 staff.