Brazilian steelmaker CSN BMFBOVESPA:CSNA3 will receive binding offers for its cement unit until August 7, local newspaper Valor Economico reported on Wednesday, adding the firm received more than half a dozen proposals in the transaction's non-binding phase.
Among interested investors for the deal which could raise 10 billion reais ($1.98 billion), Valor mentioned Chinese groups Sinoma SSE:600970 and Huaxin Building Materials SSE:600801, Italy's Italcementi and Brazilian firm Votorantim.
J&F, controlled by the billionaire Batista family, and Suzano Holding BMFBOVESPA:NEMO3, which runs pulpmaker Suzano, were initially interested, but have already left the dispute, the newspaper said, citing sources.
CSN did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Reuters reported in April on interest from the Chinese companies, J&F and Votorantim, adding that China's Anhui Conch Cement was also considering a proposal.
CSN has appointed Morgan Stanley as its financial adviser for the sale process, according to the April report.
($1 = 5.0614 reais)