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.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order paving the way for a Nippon Steel investment in U.S. Steel, so long as the Japanese company complies with a “national security agreement” submitted

Administration officials secured a deal that will give the president unusual influence over a private company, and could serve as a model for other deals.