I haven’t taken a good look at Stelco operations since writing a major feature on the company’s SNAFU-style restructuring a few years ago. But from what I know about the storied Hamilton steelmaker, I can understand why United States Steel Corp. has temporarily halted production at its Canadian plants.

Philip Morris International Inc. announced it has succeeded in its $30-a-share bid to purchase Toronto-based Rothmans Inc. PMI has received nearly 68%, ok 67.8% to be exact, of outstanding Rothmans common shares.

In the last Briefcase we wrote about New York-based Philip Morris International's bid to purchase Rothmans Inc. of Toronto. Today PMI announced it has extended the expiry of its offer of $30 a share to Sept. 16.