Ryerson Launches Comprehensive Reorganization

New Senior Leadership Team is Named As Company Takes First Steps To Improve Performance 


CHICAGO, Oct. 24  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ryerson Inc. today announced it has taken the initial steps in a comprehensive reorganization to make the company stronger, more nimble and a better service provider for customers.

Ryerson, the nation's leading distributor and processor of metals in North America, was acquired Friday in a take-private transaction by Platinum Equity, a buyout firm that specializes in complex operational turnarounds. On Monday, Platinum made several key appointments to the company's senior leadership team:

         *  Robert Archambault was named Interim CEO. Mr. Archambault is a
            partner at Platinum Equity overseeing the Ryerson investment.

         *  Stephen Makarewicz was been appointed as President and COO.
            Mr. Makarewicz was previously President of Ryerson South.

         *  Terence Rogers was appointed as Executive Vice President and
            Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Rogers was previously Vice
            President of Finance for Ryerson.



As part of the reorganization, Neil Novich, former Chairman and CEO, Jay Gratz, former CFO, and Gary Niederpruem, former EVP, have left the company. "We appreciate their longstanding commitment to Ryerson, their professionalism and leadership, and we wish them great success in the future," Mr. Archambault said.

Further details of the reorganization will be announced in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, "our highest priority is to minimize any disruption to our customers, suppliers and business partners," Mr. Archambault said.

"The change in ownership and reorganization gives us an opportunity to build even stronger working relationships with all of our business partners," he said. "I have encouraged every Ryerson employee to focus on improving service as our highest priority."

Mr. Makarewicz said the change in ownership and reorganization marked an important turning point for the company.

"This is an exciting new era for Ryerson, and a unique opportunity for all of us to chart a course for the future," Mr. Makarewicz said. "We will be reorganizing the company to improve customer service, profitability and achieve operational excellence."

Ryerson Inc. is a leading distributor and processor of metals in North America, with 2006 revenues of $5.9 billion. The Company services customers through a network of service centers across the United States and in Canada, Mexico, India and China. 

DATASOURCE: Ryerson Inc.



CONTACT:  Terence R. Rogers, Executive Vice President and CFO of Ryerson

Inc., [phone]



Web site:  http://www.ryerson.com/

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