London: Lakshmi Mittal, owner of the world's largest steel company, and his younger brother Pramod Mittal have denied rumours of a family feud, the Sunday Times reported.

The paper said Lakshmi Mittal, chairman of ArcelorMittal, is bidding to buy an ailing Bulgarian steel plant owned by his brother at a price that is lower than what Pramod Mittal expects.

A spokeswoman for ArcelorMittal confirmed that the company was interested in buying the Bulgarian plant - Kemikovtzi Steel - but said: "Mr Mittal has a very good relationship with his brother", adding that any suggestions of rivalry were "harsh and untrue".

Pramod Mittal told the paper: "We're family, there's nothing to discuss. We're not fighting, but it's our private life."