Documentary makers say steelworkers in France whose futures look uncertain will “probably feel very nervous” when they see how employees were treated by one of the world’s richest men after he closed a plant in Co Cork in 2001.

British steel maker Corus agreed to a £4.3bn (€6.4) takeover by Indian rival Tata Steel today – ending the UK company’s year-long search for a partner.

Lakshmi Mittal said his self-named steel giant will be years ahead of his rivals after taking over European steel maker Arcelor SA, as he unveiled plans to invest up to $9bn (€7bn) in his native India.