No. 8: Severstal

Russia
Steel
2007 Sales: $16 billion

Severstal had sales growth of 42% over five years and value growth of 50%. However, with demand slumping because of the global recession, the Russian steelmaker has announced production cuts recently. Led by CEO Alexey Mordashav (pictured), Severstal is in the midst of a $700 million takeover of Toronto-listed PBS Coal's Mincorp, based in Friedens, Pa. In late October, the Russian company won a $235 million, or 34%, reduction in the acquisition price.