Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel said Wednesday they have finalized their “historic partnership,” a deal that gives the U.S. government a say in some matters and comes a year-and-a-half after the Japanese company first proposed its nearly $15 billion buyout of the iconic American steelmaker.

Nippon Steel finalizes US Steel takeover

Nippon Steel's $14.9-billion acquisition of U.S. Steel closed on Wednesday, the companies said, confirming an unusual degree of power for President Donald Trump after the Japanese company's 18-month struggle to close the purchase.