Mitsui Completes Steel Technologies Acquisition


NEW YORK, June 1 / -- Mitsui & Co., Ltd. through its wholly owned subsidiary Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. ("Mitsui USA") today completed the previously announced acquisition of Steel Technologies Inc. ("Steel Technologies"). The all-cash transaction was valued at approximately $534 million, including retained debt of $137 million.

Louisville, KY-based Steel Technologies operates 24 facilities, including joint venture operations, throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is a leading North American steel processor that leverages its broad geographic network of facilities to deliver processing capabilities, including slitting and blanking, and value-added services to customers in a variety of industries.

Steel Technologies will operate as a separate, wholly owned subsidiary with the current management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Bradford T. Ray, maintaining responsibility for the company's performance and growth strategies. Steel Technologies' management will work closely with Mitsui USA's Iron and Steel Products Division to capitalize on business synergies in order to expand the product and service offerings provided to a wide range of industries.

From a sourcing standpoint, the combined purchasing power of both Steel Technologies and Mitsui will provide the foundation to further strengthen and grow strategic initiatives and partnerships with the domestic mills. In addition, the combined purchasing expertise will provide the ability to strategically source both commodity as well as niche items to meet the needs of our customers.

"Steel Technologies becomes an important element in implementing our North American business strategy and enhancing our steel processing value chain," said Ichizo Kutsukake, Senior Vice President of Mitsui USA's Iron and Steel Products Division. "This highly regarded addition to Mitsui USA will enable us to efficiently meet our customers' ever-increasing demands and expectations, as well as provide capacity to pursue new opportunities."

About Steel Technologies
Steel Technologies processes flat-rolled steel to specified thickness, width, temper, finish and shape requirements for automotive, appliance, lawn and garden, agricultural, recreational and office equipment industries, among others. The company, including its joint ventures, operates 24 production facilities located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information about the company may be found at www.steeltechnologies.com.

About Mitsui USA
Mitsui USA is the largest wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a diversified global trading, investment and service enterprise. Mitsui USA has operations in iron and steel products and raw materials, infrastructure projects, machinery, information technology, chemicals, plastics, energy and consumer products, among others. More information on Mitsui USA may be found at www.mitsui.com.

Contact:
Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.
Shinichi Hirabayashi
Director of External Relations
Tel.: 212-878-4072

Source: Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

Web site: www.mitsui.com/
http://www.steeltechnologies.com/

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