It is reported that Hebei Iron and Steel Group Co Ltd would start integrating its three listing units.

Handan Iron & Steel Co Ltd, Tangshan Iron & Steel Co Ltd and Chengde Xinxin Vanadium & Titanium Co Ltd said in separate statements that their shares will suspend trading on the stock exchanges starting from today as they are planning material asset reorganizations.

The moves spur speculation that Hebei Iron and Steel Group is accelerating internal integration. The company incorporated on June 30th by merging Hebei Tangshan Iron & Steel Group Co Ltd and Handan Iron & Steel Group Co Ltd as part of Hebei Province's efforts to integrate its steel industry.

Insiders said the three listed firms said then that the merge would not involve them at that moment. However, several executive changes of these firms indicate that the new parent was preparing for capital integration. For instance, the chairmen of Handan Iron & Steel and Tangshan Iron & Steel both resigned and became executives of the new parent.