Ryerson Holding Corp., a value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, and Olympic Steel, Inc., a metals service center chain, entered a definitive agreement to merge. The merger will enhance the combined company's presence as the second-largest North American metals service center and represents a highly compatible strategic match. Olympic reports that this will bring its complementary footprint, capabilities and product offerings into Ryerson's intelligently interconnected network of value-added service centers. The transaction is expected to generate approximately $120 million in annual synergies by the end of year two via procurement scale, efficiency gains, commercial enhancement, and network optimization.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Olympic Steel shareholders will receive 1.7105 Ryerson shares of common stock for every Olympic Steel share of common stock owned and will own approximately 37 percent of the combined company. The merger is expected to be immediately accretive to shareholders of the combined entity and is expected to result in a reduced pro-forma leverage ratio of less than three times, assuming partial credit for synergies. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals.
As part of the transaction, Michael D. Siegal, executive chairman of Olympic Steel's board of directors, will be appointed chairman of the board for the combined company. Olympic will also appoint three other mutually satisfactory directors to the combined 11-member Board. Eddie Lehner, president and CEO of Ryerson, will serve as CEO of the combined company, with Richard T. Marabito, CEO of Olympic Steel, serving as president and COO.
"This merger represents an immensely attractive and unique opportunity for Ryerson and Olympic Steel as it combines our two organizations, which couldn't be more complementary and synergistic around the products, services, footprint, and customer experience that will enhance our market presence while adding significant value to our stakeholders,” Lehner said in a statement.
"The combination of our organizations will further scale the digital investments that Ryerson has made to bring Olympic Steel's capabilities and formidable expertise into a larger network and provide our customers with greater network density, faster lead times, and a wider array of custom solutions from pick-pack-and-ship to finished parts.
"We believe this merger presents our shareholders with increased earnings potential in the form of accretive margins, strong cash flows, and compelling synergies,” Lehner continued. He said he has known Siegal, Marabito, Andrew Greiff, and Rich Manson for many years and have the deepest respect and admiration for the exceptional organization they have created and cultivated.
"I could not be more optimistic and energized about the merging of our two companies with a combined 255 years of industrial metals service center experience. I look forward to working with Rick and the entire Olympic Steel organization with shared mission, passion and purpose to unite our teams in reaching our vast potential together."
"We are very excited about the combination of Ryerson and Olympic Steel and the trajectory of the business going forward," said Steve Larson, chairman of Ryerson's board of directors. "We look forward to welcoming Michael and the additional Olympic directors to the already strong Ryerson board. They bring a wealth of experience and perspective that will be invaluable as we work together to ensure the full potential of the combined business is realized."
Marabito said the merged assets will represent a $6.5 billion company, and that key stakeholders—employees, customers and investors—will benefit.
"This is a significant milestone for the business my father and uncle started more than 70 years ago,” Siegal said. "We went from private to public in 1994, and now we enthusiastically take this next step to accelerate Olympic Steel's continued growth. Ryerson is a well-respected company with more than 180 years of history and a values-based culture much like our own."
