Platinum Portfolio Company Ryerson and Industry Consolidation

Ryerson, a Platinum Equity portfolio company and Chicago based metal distributor and processor with service centers in the U.S. and Canada, is a key player in the ongoing consolidation of the 1,200-company, $153 billion metal services industry.

Platinum acquired Ryerson in October 2007, and is preparing an initial public offering that may give it cash to fund purchases.

Ryerson is a key player in the ongoing consolidation of the 1,200-company, $153-billion metal services industry

Ryerson is the second largest player in the industry. In January, it acquired Texas Steel Processing Inc. for $11.4 million and will likely continue to pursue further strategic acquisitions involving smaller companies, many of which are private or family-owned and have struggled after the global recession cut demand.

Ryerson has over 160 years in the metals industry and handles millions of tons of steel annually.

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