Australia's BlueScope Steel Eyes US Acquisitions

BlueScope Steel, Australia's largest steel maker, said on Monday it would consider acquisitions to expand in the United States, particularly if some distressed businesses became available.

"Opportunistic acquisitions are something we would consider," chief executive Paul O'Malley told reporters, though there were no obvious candidates currently.

Earlier, BlueScope posted a 27% increase in full-year underlying profit, lifted by strong domestic demand and higher prices.

By Victoria Thieberger, Reuters .