Ramtron did say that in consultation with financial and level advisors, it is exploring strategic alternatives, including potential joint ventures, the sale of the company or continuing with current growth plans.

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So far it has a dozen or so such low-cost joint ventures, including a 50-50 deal announced in December with Petrochemical Industries Co. of Kuwait.

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Nucor has a number of growth initiatives, including new natural-gas furnace operations, strategic acquisitions and international joint ventures.

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New joint ventures are being established for fuel-efficient automobiles, including electric vehicles, on the condition that the Chinese partner owns 51% or more of the joint venture.

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