Corus was created in October 1999 through the merger of British Steel and Koninklijke Hoogovens. Corus manufactures processes and distributes metal products as well as providing design, technology and consultancy services. With an annual turnover of £8 billion and major operating facilities in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway and Belgium, Corus employs 48,500 people in over 50 countries. Corus shares are listed on the London, New York and Amsterdam stock exchanges.