Metals USA, Inc. announced that it will appoint Robert C. McPherson III as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The new appointment takes effect with closing of the pending acquisition of the company by affiliates of Apollo Management, LP. Mr. McPherson will replace Terry L. Freeman, the company's current Chief Financial Officer, who plans to resign upon completion of the transaction with Apollo to pursue other interests.

Prior to joining Metals USA in March 2003, Mr. McPherson worked for California Steel Industries, Inc. as Controller and Treasurer. Since joining the company, Mr. McPherson has served as Senior Vice President of Business Development and, most recently, as Senior Vice President and President of the company's Building Products Group. He has already begun to spend substantial time and effort in order to take on responsibility for day-to-day financial management activities following completion of the Apollo acquisition.

"Metals USA is delighted to have someone of Robert's experience and know-how in this important position," said C. Lourenco Goncalves, President and CEO. "His tenure as President of our Building Products Group clearly demonstrates his leadership skills, ability to integrate different parts of the business and passion for results. The company and I are appreciative of the many contributions by Terry Freeman over the past eight years and we wish him well in his future endeavors."

Metals USA also announced the promotion of Gerard Papazian to President of the Building Products Group, succeeding Mr. McPherson, effective at the same time. Mr. Papazian, who has been with the company the past five years, currently serves as Vice President of Operations for the Building Products Group and has over 20 years of experience in senior management positions in the building products industry.

"As we move to being private, we are fortunate to have both Robert McPherson and Gerard Papazian in key leadership roles," said Mr. Goncalves. "We have a strong management team, with highly experienced individuals, and a loyal and dedicated staff. We are highly optimistic regarding our opportunities as we enter this new, exciting phase of our company's history."

Metals USA provides a wide range of products and services in the heavy carbon steel, flat-rolled steel, specialty metals, and building products markets.