U.S. Steel alleges conspiracy to sabotage possible deal with Nippon

Steel rebar is used during the building of a condo tower
Steel rebar is used during the building of a condo tower Photo credit (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Attorneys for US Steel argued in federal court Wednesday statements by Cleveland-Cliffs' CEO and the United Steelworkers president were part of a conspiracy to sabotage a merger with Nippon Steel.

Defense attorneys argued what their clients said is protected speech.

District Judge Marilyn Horan said she will issue a decision as soon as possible.

After US Steel put the company on the market, Cleveland-Cliffs offered $7 billion.

But US Steel accepted an offer of nearly $15 billion from Nippon Steel.

Featured Image Photo Credit: (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)