01.31.2006

ThyssenKrupp Materials NA to Acquire VPK Metal

ThyssenKrupp Materials NA, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with VPK Metal Inc. to acquire its operations, including Peckover'’s, Vimetal Peckover, Roy Metals Sales Inc., Vifab and O.M.I. in Canada which will retain their current names and operations as part of ThyssenKrupp Materials NA'’s Copper and Brass Sales division.

ThyssenKrupp Materials NA'’s COO Richard J. Greaves commented, "“As we continue to grow our operations throughout the NAFTA region, the acquisition of VPK Metal is an important strategic opportunity for ThyssenKrupp Materials NA, as it helps us expand our geographic presence and market penetration in Canada and complements our existing product line particularly in the area of red metals and plastics. We are looking forward to VPK becoming a member of the ThyssenKrupp family and to growing our business together."”

Frank G. Kevane, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Materials NA'’s Copper and Brass Sales division, said, "“The addition of VPK Metal provides us with enhanced access to a more diversified customer base and new industry segments in Canada. We are also excited about the new service offerings VPK brings to our portfolio, such as metal and plastic fabrication and first-stage machining."” Kevane also added that VPK'’s outstanding customer base will have access to Copper and Brass Sales depth of resources, promising enhancement of the high quality of service already provided by VPK.

ThyssenKrupp Materials NA is also pleased to announce that it will retain the operational and management personnel of VPK Metal, including Haim Kotler (President) who will report to the Copper and Brass Sales CEO Kevane. Mr. Kotler stated, "“We believe that the acquisition will significantly improve our growth potential in North America and will generate new opportunities and resources which will allow us to offer our customers a superior range of products and services with the backing of a global industry leader."”

The closing of the transaction remains subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals but is expected to occur during the first half of March, 2006.

VPK Metal Inc., headquartered near Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a distributor and processor of non-ferrous metals with a primary focus on red metal products. The complete product line includes copper, brass, bronze, plastics, and aluminum. The company operates 6 service center locations throughout Canada and the United States and offers a wide range of processing services, including slitting, shearing, cut-to-length and precision cutting, sawing, as well JIT services and plastic and metal fabrication.