By Yuka Obayashi and Noriyuki Hirata TOKYO (Reuters) -Nippon Steel shares rose on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump approved its $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, clearing a key hurdle in its 18-month pursuit and securing access to a vital market for its growth strategy.

Nippon Steel Corp. won conditional US approval for its $14.1 billion purchase of United States Steel Corp., capping a lengthy saga in a tie-up that will create one of the world’s largest steel companies.

The Japanese company has already committed to heavy investment in U.S. Steel and a U.S.-controlled board of directors at the American steelmaker.