March 21, 2006 — Ipsco Inc. was recently named as one of the top 100 major U.S. corporations by DeMarche Associates, a Kansas-based investment and financial research firm.

Companies on the Top 100 list achieved financial performance among the top three per cent of all major U.S. corporations during a three-year period ended Dec. 31, 2005. The list, released earlier this month, "recognizes operating performance that significantly improves shareholder value."

Although Ipsco has its operational headquarters in Lisle, Ill., its legal and Canadian head office in Regina, Sask., is one of five Canadian firms to make the list. The other Canadian firms were Agrium Inc., a Calgary-based fertilizer company that has operations in Saskatchewan; Angiotech Pharmaceuticals; Cognos Inc.; and Gildan Activewear.

Based on proprietary research and analysis of each company's fundamentals, the 100 organizations are recognized as the best companies in their respective industries, DeMarche said in a press release.

Nine companies have been recognized in the Top 100 in each of the program's four years: Anheuser-Busch Inc., ITT Educational Services Inc., Harley-Davidson, Inc., H&R Block Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Landstar System Inc., SEI Investments Co., Walgreen Co., and Wal-Mart Stores.