HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel said Wednesday they have finalized their “historic partnership,” a deal that gives the U.S. government a say in some matters and comes a year-and-a-half after the Japanese company first proposed its nearly $15 billion buyout of the iconic American steelmaker.

Nippon Steel Corp. could issue equity to fund its $14.1 billion purchase of United States Steel Corp. and associated investment promises, the company’s vice chairman said on Thursday.

A year and a half after a deal between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel was announced, the two companies said they finalized their “historic partnership.”