The Germany-based steel recycler has racked up $1.5bn in debt, necessitating corporate funding.

Trading company Toyota Tsusho, a subsidiary of Japan-based conglomerate Toyota Group, has acquired a 39.9% stake in Germany-based steel recycling company Scholz.

Toyota Tsusho did not specify how much it paid for its stake but the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter after final negotiations. It managed to see off competition from an unspecified Chinese group and US-based private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis and Roberts, according to Reuters.

Scholz will use the investment to pay down its…