Smith, Gambrell & Russell Represents Client, Gerdau, in Sale of Atmosphere Annealing and NitroSteel to Z Capital

Press Release

April 3, 2017

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ATLANTA (April 3, 2017) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce the firm served as legal counsel to Gerdau S.A. in the sale of its Atmosphere Annealing (AA) and NitroSteel (NS) divisions, collectively known as Premier Thermal Solutions (PTS), to Z Capital Partners, L.L.C. The transaction, which closed on March 31, 2017, provides PTS with the financial backing to expand its metal heat-treating service offering by adding capabilities organically, through strategic acquisitions and by diversifying into additional end-markets.

A leading producer of long steel and one of the largest suppliers of special steel, Gerdau divested PTS to Z Capital, a leading global alternative investment manager focused on opportunistic, value-oriented private equity and credit funds. Through its acquisition, the PTS business unit, which includes the AA and NS divisions, will leverage Z Capital’s financial strength and operational expertise to further accelerate its growth.

A provider of metal heat treating and related services to various end-markets, including automotive, trucking, oil and gas, agriculture, heavy construction and military, AA operates from plants in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. Based in Wisconsin, NS is the only domestic provider of nitro-carburized steel bars and tubes which are utilized primarily in fluid power applications in the agricultural, construction, mining, marine, utility and automotive end-markets.

The SGR Atlanta legal team included Partners Jay Schwartz and Julie Sebastian, Associate Emily McConnell in the Mergers & Acquisitions Practice and Partner Phillip Hoover in the Environmental Practice. Associate Brandon Sherlinski in the Jacksonville Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Practice was also on the SGR legal team.

About Gerdau

Gerdau is a leading producer of long steel in the Americas and one of the largest suppliers of special steel in the world. In Brazil, it also produces flat steel and iron ore, activities that are expanding its product mix and boosting its competitiveness. It is also the largest recycler in Latin America and around the world it transforms each year millions of tons of scrap into steel, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development in the regions where it operates. Gerdau's shares are listed on the São Paulo, New York and Madrid stock exchanges. Visit www.gerdau.com for more information.

About Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

SGR is a full service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The firm’s more than 200 attorneys provide legal counsel in more than 45 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, construction and employment law. Founded in 1893, SGR has offices in Atlanta, Austin, Jacksonville, London, Munich, New York, Southampton, and Washington, D.C.