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Latrobe Specialty Steel Company Names B. Christopher DiSantis as President and CEO

Dépèche transmise le 17 janvier 2011 par Business Wire

Latrobe Specialty Steel Company Names B. Christopher DiSantis as President and CEO

LATROBE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Latrobe Specialty Steel Company, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of high performance specialty metals, announces the appointment of B. Christopher DiSantis as President and Chief Executive Officer. With a background in metals and materials sciences plus extensive experience in aerospace and defense, DiSantis brings to Latrobe an outstanding track record of manufacturing leadership.

“Latrobe will enhance its exceptional growth trajectory and market leadership worldwide. Chris brings to Latrobe a keen focus on serving the needs of his customers, and he is the perfect complement to an already impressive management team.”

Prior to joining Latrobe, DiSantis served as President of Hawk Corporation, formerly a public company (NYSE Amex: HWK) and a global manufacturer of friction braking products. He graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics. In 2009, Crain's New York Business named him to its Forty Under 40 Class.

Latrobe’s Co-Chairman Steven E. Karol added “Chris’ track record of leading organizations to higher levels of growth and performance, paired with Latrobe’s exceptional product quality, technology, and service, is a winning combination. His diverse metals background is ideal for Latrobe Specialty Steel.”

“With Chris at the helm,” said Co-Chairman Thomas O. Hicks, “Latrobe will enhance its exceptional growth trajectory and market leadership worldwide. Chris brings to Latrobe a keen focus on serving the needs of his customers, and he is the perfect complement to an already impressive management team.”

Commenting on his new leadership position, DiSantis said, “I am thrilled to join Latrobe’s exceptional management team at a time when many exciting and important programs are well underway. Latrobe’s capabilities and products uniquely position it within the specialty metals industry as it extends its reach into important new grades and end markets. I look forward to joining the team to help Latrobe reach its full potential.”

A passionate Pittsburgh sports fan, Chris and his wife have two children.

Latrobe Specialty Steel is owned jointly by The Watermill Group and Hicks Equity Partners LLC.

About Hicks Equity Partners

Hicks Equity Partners (“HEP”) is the private equity arm for Hicks Holdings LLC, a holding company for the Thomas O. Hicks family’s assets. With 35 years of private equity experience, Mr. Hicks pioneered the “buy and build” strategy of investing and founded Hicks Muse Tate & Furst, which raised more than $12 billion of private equity across six funds and completed over $50 billion of leveraged acquisitions. HEP looks for established companies with proven track records, strong free cash flow characteristics, a strong competitive industry position and an experienced management team looking to partner with long term capital.

About The Watermill Group

For over three decades, The Watermill Group ( www.watermill.com ) has been acquiring, operating and improving companies. The firm focuses on investing in companies facing a crossroads by applying a unique combination of strategic insight and management expertise to drive growth.

About Latrobe Specialty Steel Company

Latrobe Specialty Steel, in continuous operation in the same location since 1913, employs over 800 people across the world. Latrobe Specialty Steel supplies essential materials to the aerospace, defense, energy, hydrocarbon and tool steel sectors. Please visit www.latrobesteel.com for additional information about the company and its products or contact Lisa Pierce at 724-532-6324 or lisa.pierce@latrobesteel.com to arrange an interview.

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