elkem and bluestar silicones international, the two important overseas subsidiaries under the silicon segment of bluestar, have recently successfully merged into one single entity. this represents another strategic milestone for bluestar in the creation of a global integrated silicon chain leader. on 30 july 2015, the bluestar board of directors evaluated various strategic options for the combined entity, which may include accessing the public equity markets at an appropriate time in the future and actively supporting elkem's integration with bluestar's domestic silicon related assets.