Ryerson and Olympic Steel Merge: A New Era in Metals Distribution Begins

Ryerson and Olympic Steel Merger: A Strategic Union

On February 13, 2026, two giants in the industrial metals industry, Ryerson Holding Corporation and Olympic Steel, Inc., announced the successful merger of their companies. This pivotal event marks a significant milestone, creating a strong contender in the metals service sector. Ryerson, a prominent processor and distributor listed on the NYSE under the ticker RYI, has integrated Olympic Steel, formerly trading on NASDAQ as ZEUS, to solidify its position as the second-largest metals service center in North America.

Merger Details

The terms of the merger outline that for each share of Olympic Steel common stock, shareholders will receive 1.7105 shares of Ryerson common stock. Following this exchange, former Olympic Steel shareholders will own approximately 37% of the newly structured organization. This strategic combination is expected to amplify efficiencies across their operational avenues, driving approximately $120 million in annual synergies.

Enhanced Market Presence

Eddie Lehner, CEO of Ryerson, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger, highlighting the enhanced capabilities and footprints brought in by Olympic Steel that will complement Ryerson's already existing network of service centers. He stated, “The union unlocks tremendous growth opportunities across our now combined network of service centers. It promises an enhanced customer experience with greater speed and a wider selection of products.”

Richard T. Marabito, who transitioned from the role of CEO at Olympic Steel to President and COO at Ryerson, reflected on the potential for cross-selling processing capabilities and expanding geographical reach, which are crucial for improving service experiences for both contract and transactional customers.

Leadership and Future Outlook

In terms of leadership structure post-merger, Eddie Lehner continues as CEO while Richard T. Marabito joins as President and COO. Additionally, several previous leaders from Olympic Steel have assumed significant roles within Ryerson's management. This new leadership team is optimistic about the merger's potential to create a more robust bedrijfs profile with promising free cash flow potential and improved leverage.

Financial Framework

As Ryerson transitions into this new phase, it plans to list its shares under the ticker symbol RYZ on the New York Stock Exchange beginning February 24, 2026. The decision to honor both companies' previous legacies reflects the commitment to boost shareholder value through enhanced operational synergy and efficiency.

Final Thoughts

The merger of Ryerson and Olympic Steel is not just a corporate consolidation; it marks the dawn of a powerful entity within the metal suppliers’ landscape—set to pave the way for innovative changes in processing and distribution. As the new entity embarks on this journey, both companies’ historical values and strengths are unified under a common goal to deliver exceptional quality and service to their clients and stakeholders. This event not only reshapes the companies involved but also potentially alters the competitive dynamics of the metals distribution industry significantly.

As the landscape continues to evolve, the success of this merger will be closely monitored, with attention to its capacity to fulfill high promises and expectations outlined by its management. Ryerson and Olympic Steel are now positioned to face the future as one resilient force in the market.