# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001968487
**File Stem:** 0001193125-26-019521
**Filing Date:** 2026-1
**Character Count:** 260350
**Document Hash:** f551733a9a82dbc56a511584eef7e7d6
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-26-019521.hdr.sgml**: 20260122

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-26-019521

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 18

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260115

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Regulation FD Disclosure

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260122

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260122

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Worthington Steel, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001968487
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES & ROLLING & FINISHING MILLS [3310]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 04 Manufacturing
- **EIN:** 922632000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** OH
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0531

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-41830
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26552105

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 100 W. OLD WILSON BRIDGE ROAD
- **CITY:** COLUMBUS
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 43085
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 614-840-4995

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 100 W. OLD WILSON BRIDGE ROAD
- **CITY:** COLUMBUS
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 43085

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 8-K

### UNITED STATES

### SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

#### Washington, D.C. 20549

### FORM 8-K

#### CURRENT REPORT

#### Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

#### of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

#### January 15, 2026

#### Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

## WORTHINGTON STEEL, INC.

#### (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Ohio** | **001-41830** | **92-2632000** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction<br>of incorporation)** | **(Commission File Number)** | **(IRS Employer<br>Identification No.)** |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **100 W. Old Wilson Bridge Road** |  |
| **Columbus, Ohio** | **43085** |
| **(Address of principal executive offices)** | **(Zip Code)** |

---

#### Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (614) 840-3462

#### Not Applicable

#### (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading<br>Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange<br>on which registered** |
| Common Shares, without par value | WS | New York Stock Exchange |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 1.01** | **Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement.**  |

---

*Business Combination Agreement* 

On January 15, 2026, Worthington Steel, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the "<u>Company</u>" or "<u>Worthington Steel</u>"), and Worthington Steel GmbH, a limited liability company established under German law (*Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung*) ("<u>Bidder</u>"), and Klöckner & Co SE, a European stock corporation (*societas europaea*) organized under the laws of Germany ("<u>Kloeckner</u>"), entered into a business combination agreement (the "<u>BCA</u>"). Subject to the terms and conditions of the BCA, the Bidder has launched a voluntary public cash takeover offer to all shareholders of Kloeckner to tender each issued and outstanding share of Kloeckner (the "<u>Kloeckner Shares</u>") to the Bidder. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer Document (as further described below), the Bidder will pay cash consideration equal to €11.00 (subject to any increases either made voluntarily or in accordance with applicable German law) for each Kloeckner Share validly tendered by Kloeckner shareholders (such takeover offer, the "<u>Offer</u>"). The initial acceptance period for the Offer will begin upon publication of the Offer Document following its approval by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (*Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht*, "<u>BaFin</u>") and is expected to end not more than five weeks thereafter, subject to extension under certain circumstances. Following expiration of the initial acceptance period, there will be an additional, statutory two-week acceptance period, provided that the Offer Conditions (as defined below) other than the Regulatory Condition (as defined below) have been fulfilled by the end of the initial acceptance period. The BCA has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, by the management board of the Bidder and by the supervisory board and the management board of Kloeckner. In connection with the execution of the BCA and as further described below, Bidder entered into an irrevocable undertaking (the "<u>Irrevocable Undertaking</u>") with SWOCTEM GmbH, a limited liability company (*Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung*) incorporated under the laws of Germany ("<u>SWOCTEM</u>"), pursuant to which SWOCTEM has, among other matters, committed to validly accept the Offer with respect to its ownership of approximately 42% of the Kloeckner Shares (the "<u>Irrevocable Shares</u>").

The closing of the Offer (the "<u>Offer Closing</u>") will be subject to certain closing conditions (the "<u>Offer Conditions</u>") to be stated in the offer document (the "<u>Offer Document</u>"), including, among others: (i) the Company obtaining required merger and investment control clearances and EU foreign subsidies control clearance for the Offer (the "<u>Regulatory Condition</u>"); (ii) the Company obtaining the acceptance of the Offer by shareholders holding at least 65% of the Kloeckner Shares (including Kloeckner Shares already held or acquired outside the Offer by the Bidder or tendered into the Offer); (iii) the absence of (A) any resolutions approving the distribution of a dividend, other than a dividend per each Kloeckner Share for fiscal year 2025 in an amount up to €0.20 (the "<u>2025 Dividend</u>"), (B) any resolutions authorizing an issuance or any issuance of new Kloeckner Shares and/or increase or reduction of Kloeckner's share capital or right or instruments giving the right to subscribe for new Kloeckner Shares, (C) any resolutions authorizing a split or reverse split of the Kloeckner Shares or any other measures or changes that would change the registered share capital of Kloeckner or (D) any resolutions authorizing the acquisition by or the acquisition by Kloeckner of its own shares or any sale or other disposition of any Kloeckner Shares held in treasury; (iv) no dissolution or insolvency proceedings, application for insolvency proceedings or circumstances requiring the opening of any insolvency proceedings of Kloeckner; (v) no order from any relevant court prohibiting the continuation or consummation of the Offer; (vi) no violation of law by Kloeckner or certain of its representatives that constitutes a criminal or administrative offense related to financial reporting, bribery, corruption, antitrust or money laundering; (vii) no suspension of trading of Kloeckner shares for more than three consecutive trading days on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange; (viii) if, for three consecution trading days, the closing price of the German SDAX stock market index as determined by Deutsche Börse or a successor, is more than 25% below the closing price of the SDAX on the last trading day before the day of publication of the announcement of the Offer. The Regulatory Condition must be satisfied on or prior to the date which is 12 months following the expiration of the initial acceptance period of the Offer or such earlier date as included in the Offer Document upon the request by BaFin (the "<u>Long Stop Date</u>"). The remaining Offer Conditions must be satisfied at the expiration of the initial acceptance period of the Offer, unless waived on the last business day prior to expiration of the initial acceptance period.

The BCA contains customary covenants and agreements. The BCA requires Kloeckner to conduct the business of Kloeckner and its material subsidiaries (collectively, the "<u>Kloeckner Group</u>") in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and Kloeckner's business plan and to refrain, and cause members of the Kloeckner Group to refrain, from directly or indirectly initiating or taking any steps that would, or would reasonably be expected to, prevent, delay or otherwise adversely affect the success or timely closing of the Offer, during the period between the execution of the BCA and the earlier of (a) the Offer Closing and (b) the termination of the BCA (such period, the "<u>Interim Period</u>"). The BCA restricts the Kloeckner Group's ability, during the Interim Period, to directly or indirectly solicit or engage in discussions or negotiations concerning proposals relating to competing public offers and economically or otherwise comparable transactions (including alternative business combination transactions), subject to certain negotiated exceptions set forth in the BCA, including the receipt of a superior offer as determined in accordance with the BCA. Among other things, the BCA also restricts the Kloeckner Group's ability, during the Interim Period, to directly or indirectly (i) increase Kloeckner's share capital or carry out any equity-linked transactions with respect to the Kloeckner Shares, (iii) acquire, reduce or redeem any Kloeckner Shares or pay, or propose to pay, any dividends, other than the 2025 Dividend; (iv) make any capital expenditures in excess of €20 million individually or €40 million per year, (v) purchase, sell, acquire, transfer or encumber any shares or assets in any business (including by merger or consolidation or other change of legal form) with a value exceeding €20 million in the aggregate or (vi) engage in financing activities in excess of €50 million in aggregate (subject to certain negotiated exceptions set forth in the BCA). The foregoing restrictions do not

------

apply to any binding contractual undertakings entered into prior to the effective date of the BCA that Kloeckner had disclosed to the Company prior to the execution of the BCA, any matters contemplated by the Kloeckner Group's business plan for fiscal year 2026 or to any matters required to comply with the fiduciary duties of Kloeckner's management or supervisory boards.

The BCA may be terminated by either the Company or Kloeckner under certain circumstances, including, among others, if (i) the Offer lapses as a result of non-satisfaction of the conditions to the Offer and such conditions have not been waived, (ii) a competing transaction has been consummated or (iii) if the Company or Bidder, on the one hand, or Kloeckner, on the other hand, has materially breached its obligations under the BCA and such breach remains uncured after seven business days. In addition, the BCA provides for customary termination rights for Kloeckner, including, among others, if (i) Bidder does not submit the Offer Document to BaFin within the period for submission set forth in the BCA, (ii) the Offer is launched but it deviates from the terms and conditions set forth in the BCA (other than immaterial deviations) or (iii) a third party publishes an offer document or other comparable document in respect of proposal superior to the Offer (as determined in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the BCA) and Bidder has not matched the offer price per each Kloeckner Share of such proposal within two business days of such proposal's publication. The BCA also provides that the Company may terminate the agreement if Kloeckner's management board or its supervisory board do not support the Offer in its response statement in accordance with the terms set forth in the BCA.

Pursuant to the BCA, following the Offer Closing, Kloeckner agrees to support, subject to Kloeckner's management board's fiduciary duties, the Bidder in implementing further integration measures, such as a domination and profit and loss transfer agreement and/or a squeeze out of the remaining minority Kloeckner shareholders, subject to applicable law if the relevant ownership thresholds by Bidder are met.

The foregoing description of BCA does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the BCA, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

*Irrevocable Undertaking* 

In connection with the execution of the BCA, Bidder and SWOCTEM entered into the Irrevocable Undertaking, pursuant to which, among other things, SWOCTEM agreed to (i) validly accept the Offer for all of the Irrevocable Shares in compliance with the terms of the Offer Document, (ii) promptly provide to Bidder evidence of its acceptance of the Offer and (iii) enter into a "standstill" agreement that prohibits SWOCTEM or its affiliates from directly or indirectly taking certain actions, including, among others, acquiring additional Kloeckner Shares or supporting any offers or proposals that compete with the Offer (subject to (iii) of the following sentence). The Irrevocable Undertaking may be terminated by Bidder or SWOCTEM if (i) the Offer lapses as a result of non-satisfaction of the conditions to the Offer or (ii) any competent governmental authority or court has prohibited the Offer Closing and such decision has become final and non-appealable. Additionally, SWOCTEM may terminate the Irrevocable Undertaking if (i) Bidder has not published its intention to launch the Offer within five business days of the date the parties entered into the Irrevocable Undertaking, (ii) the Offer Closing has not occurred by the Long Stop Date or (iii) the offer document relating to a superior offer (as determined in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Irrevocable Undertaking) has been published and the Bidder has not matched the offer price per Kloeckner Share of such superior offer within ten business days of such publication.

The foregoing description of the Irrevocable Undertaking does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Irrevocable Undertaking, which is filed as Exhibit 2.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

*Equity Commitment Letter* 

Concurrently with the execution of the BCA, the Company and Bidder entered into an equity commitment letter (the "<u>Equity Commitment Letter</u>") pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions therein, the Company agreed to provide to Bidder a financing commitment of up to €1,632,000,000 (the "<u>Equity Commitment</u>") to (i) fund the consideration and related transaction costs under the Offer, (ii) pay the purchase price for Kloeckner Shares acquired outside the Offer (including via market or private purchases) and (iii) make available certain amounts to Kloeckner for the refinancing of Kloeckner's existing debt, in each case, in immediately available Euro-denominated funds to be delivered at the times specified in Equity Commitment Letter. The Company's obligation to fund its Equity Commitment (with respect to the consideration and related transaction costs under the Offer and the refinancing of Kloeckner's existing debt) is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Offer Document. The Company may not withdraw the Equity Commitment or cause it to be repaid or redeemed and will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, use the Equity Commitment solely to satisfy its obligations under the Equity Commitment Letter.

The foregoing description of the Equity Commitment Letter does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Equity Commitment Letter, which is filed as Exhibit 2.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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*Expected Permanent Financing and Debt Financing Commitments* 

The Company intends to fund the consideration and related transaction costs under the Offer with a combination of cash on hand and new debt financing expected to consist of senior secured indebtedness, which will be issued subject to market conditions and other factors. The Company has obtained debt financing commitments of US$1.9 billion from Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. to support the expected permanent financing. The Offer is not subject to any financing condition.

*Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement* 

On January 15, 2026, the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, PNC Bank, National Association, as agent for the lenders (the "<u>ABL Agent</u>"), and the lenders party thereto entered into the Second Amendment (the "<u>Revolving Facility Amendment</u>") to the Company's Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2023, by and among the Company, as borrower, certain of the Company's U.S., Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries from time to time party thereto as loan parties, the lenders from time to time party thereto and the ABL Agent.

The Revolving Facility Amendment, among other things, permits the Company to consummate the Offer and related transactions.

The foregoing description of the Revolving Facility Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Revolving Facility Amendment, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 2.03** | **Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.**  |

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The information set forth above in Item 1.01 under the heading "Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement" is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.03.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 7.01** | **Regulation FD Disclosure.\***  |

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On January 15, 2026, Worthington Steel announced that it entered into the BCA. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by this reference.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.**  |

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(d) Exhibits.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>No.** | **Document Description** |
| 2.1+± | [Business Combination Agreement, dated January 15, 2026, by and among Worthington Steel, Inc., Worthington Steel GmbH and Kloeckner & Co SE](d97867dex21.htm) |
| 2.2+ | [Irrevocable Undertaking, dated January 15, 2026, by and between Worthington Steel GmbH and SWOCTEM GmbH](d97867dex22.htm) |
| 2.3 | [Equity Commitment Letter, dated January 15, 2026, by and between Worthington Steel, Inc. and Worthington Steel GmbH](d97867dex23.htm) |
| 10.1± | [Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated January 15, 2026, by and between Worthington Steel, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Worthington Steel, Inc., PNC Bank, National Association, as agent for the lenders, and the lenders party thereto](d97867dex101.htm) |
| 99.1\* | [Press Release, dated January 15, 2026](d97867dex991.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |

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\* The information "furnished" in this Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 7.01 (including Exhibit 99.1) shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing. 

+ Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted materials to the SEC upon its request.

± Schedules and certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) and/or Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K.

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#### Important Information
This Current Report on Form 8-K and the materials included herewith constitute neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell Kloeckner shares. The final provisions relating to the takeover offer will be disclosed in the Offer Document after BaFin has authorized the publication of the Offer Document. The bidder reserves the right to deviate from the key points set out herein in the final terms of the takeover offer to the extent legally permissible. Investors and Kloeckner shareholders are strongly advised to read the Offer Document and all other documents relating to the takeover offer as soon as they are published, as they will contain important information.

The takeover offer will be made exclusively on the basis of the applicable provisions of German law, in particular the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (*Wertpapiererwerbs- und Übernahmegesetz – WpÜG*) and certain securities laws provisions of the United States of America (the "United States" or "U.S."). The takeover offer will not be made in accordance with the legal requirements of any jurisdiction other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States (to the extent applicable). Accordingly, no announcements, registrations, approvals or authorizations for the offer have been made, arranged for or granted outside the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States (to the extent applicable). Investors and holders of Kloeckner shares may not claim to be protected by the investor protection laws of any jurisdiction other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States (as applicable). Subject to the exceptions described in the Offer Document and any exemptions to be granted by the relevant regulatory authorities, no takeover offer will be made, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of applicable national law. This Current Report on Form 8-K may not be published or otherwise distributed, in whole or in part, in any jurisdiction in which the takeover offer would be prohibited by applicable national law.

The bidder and its affiliates or affiliates of its financial advisor reserve the right to directly or indirectly purchase or arrange to purchase Kloeckner shares or any other securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such Kloeckner shares outside of the takeover offer, provided that such purchases or arrangements to purchase are not made in the United States and comply with the applicable German statutory provisions, in particular the WpÜG. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase, including the number of Kloeckner shares purchased or to be purchased and the consideration paid or agreed, will be published in German and English language without undue delay if and to the extent required under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States or any other relevant jurisdiction.

The takeover offer referenced in this Current Report on Form 8-K relates to shares in a German company and is subject to the statutory provisions of the Federal Republic of Germany on the implementation of such an offer, which differ from those of the United States and other jurisdictions in certain material respects. The financial information relating to the bidder and the company included elsewhere, including in the Offer Document, will be prepared in accordance with provisions applicable in the Federal Republic of Germany and will not be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States; therefore, it may not be comparable to financial information relating to United States companies or companies from other jurisdictions outside the Federal Republic of Germany. The takeover offer will not be submitted to the review or registration procedures of any securities regulator outside of Germany and has not been approved or recommended by any securities regulator. Kloeckner shareholders whose place of residence, incorporation or place of habitual abode is in the United States should note that the takeover offer will be made in respect of securities of a company which is a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act") and the shares of which are not registered under Section 12 of the U.S. Exchange Act and that the company is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the U.S. Exchange Act, and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") thereunder. The takeover offer will be made in the United States pursuant to Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E under the Exchange Act, subject to the exemption provided under Rule 14d-1(d) under the U.S. Exchange Act, for a Tier II tender offer and will be principally governed by disclosure and other regulations and procedures of the Federal Republic of Germany, including with respect to the takeover offer timetable, settlement procedures, withdrawal, waiver of conditions and timing of payments, which are different from those of the United States. The takeover offer will be made to the company's shareholders resident in the United States on the same terms and conditions as those made to all other shareholders of the company to whom an offer is made. Any informational documents, including this Current Report on Form 8-K, will be disseminated to U.S. shareholders on a basis comparable to the method that such documents are provided to the company's other shareholders. To the extent that the takeover offer is subject to United States securities laws, such laws only apply to Kloeckner shareholders in the United States, and no other person has any claims under such laws.

Any agreement concluded with the bidder as a result of the acceptance of the planned takeover offer will be governed exclusively by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and shall be construed accordingly. It may be difficult for shareholders from the United States (or from jurisdictions other than Germany) to enforce their rights and claims arising in connection with the takeover offer under the U.S. Securities Act (or other laws known to them) because the bidder and the company are located outside the United States (or the jurisdiction in which the shareholder is domiciled) and their respective officers and directors are domiciled outside the United

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States (or the jurisdiction in which the shareholder is domiciled). It may be impossible to sue a non-U.S. company or its officers and directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of U.S. securities laws. It may also be impossible to compel a non-U.S. company or its subsidiaries to submit to the judgment of a U.S. court.

#### Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. This Current Report on Form 8-K includes forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Worthington Steel's and Kloeckner's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions related to the acquisition and the benefits of the transaction, the expected outcomes of the proposed acquisition, including estimated cost, operations and commercial synergies and the timeline to realize such synergies, the impact on Worthington Steel's earnings, Worthington Steel's expected pro forma net leverage ratio following the transaction and net leverage ratio goals following the transaction, the expected timeline for completing the acquisition, and other statements that are not historical or current fact and are characterized by terms like "expects," "believes," "anticipates", "is of the opinion," "tries," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "assumes" "may," "will," "would," "should" and "aims" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current intentions, assumptions or expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding Worthington Steel's and Kloeckner's respective businesses and the proposed acquisition, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (i) the ability of the parties to successfully complete the proposed acquisition on the anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining required regulatory approvals and other conditions to the completion of the acquisition, (ii) the ability of the parties to achieve the minimum requisite acceptance threshold of Kloeckner's issued share capital at the end of the acceptance period; (iii) the financing arrangements relating to the acquisition, (iv) the effects of the transaction on Worthington Steel's and Kloeckner's operations, including on the combined company's future financial condition and performance, operating results, strategy and plans, including anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, losses, future prospects, and business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the new combined company's operations, (v) the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the proposed acquisition on relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties, (vi) the ability of the combined company to achieve the anticipated cost synergies or accretion to earnings per share, and (vii) the other factors detailed in Worthington Steel's reports filed with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the caption "Risk Factors," as well as the other risks discussed in Worthington Steel's filings with the SEC. In addition, these statements are based on assumptions that are subject to change. Further, it cannot be ruled out that Worthington Steel and/or Kloeckner will change their intentions and assessments expressed in documents or notifications or in the Offer Document yet to be published after publication of the documents, notifications or the Offer Document. This Current Report on Form 8-K speaks only as of the date hereof. Each of Worthington Steel and Kloeckner disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

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#### SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **WORTHINGTON STEEL, INC.** | **WORTHINGTON STEEL, INC.** |
| Date: January 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ Joseph Y. Heuer |
|  | Name: | Joseph Y. Heuer |
|  | Title: | Vice President - General Counsel and Secretary |

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## Exhibit 2.1

**Exhibit 2.1** 

Project Shield \| Business Combination Agreement

Execution Version

15 January 2026

**STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL** 

CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN OMITTED BY MEANS OF REDACTING A PORTION OF THE TEXT AND REPLACING IT WITH [\*\*\*] BECAUSE IT IS BOTH: (I) NOT MATERIAL AND (II) THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.

**Business Combination Agreement** 

regarding an investment of

**Worthington Steel GmbH** 

and

**Worthington Steel, Inc.** 

in

**Klöckner & Co SE** 

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Project Shield \| Business Combination Agreement

Execution Version

15 January 2026

**STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL** 

**Business Combination Agreement** 

by and between

(1) **Worthington Steel GmbH**, a limited liability company (*Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung*)
organized under the laws of Germany, with registered seat in Stuttgart, Germany, registered with the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) at the local court (*Amtsgericht*) of Stuttgart under HRB 801625,

– herein "**Bidder**" –

and

(2) **Worthington Steel, Inc.,** a corporation established under Ohio law, with its principal executive office
at 100 West Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085, USA, registered with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio under number 5007932,

– herein "**WST**" –

and

(3) **Klöckner & Co SE**, a European company (*Societas Europaea*)
organized under the laws of Germany, with registered seat in Dusseldorf, Germany, registered with the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) at the local court (*Amtsgericht*) of Dusseldorf under HRB 109982,

– herein "**Company**" –

– the Bidder, WST and the Company shall herein also be referred to each as "**Party**" and collectively as "**Parties**" –

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS** 

1. Interpretation and Definitions 6

2. Beginning of the Offer Proceedings 11

3. Launch of the Takeover Offer 12

4. Deal Protection and Future Support of the Takeover Offer 18

5. Recommendations by the Company's Corporate Bodies 20

6. Business Strategy 23

7. Corporate Governance 23

8. Sites and Locations; Workforce and Employees 24

9. Integration Framework; Integration Committee 25

10. Corporate Measures 26

11. Company Covenants 27

12. Bidder's Financing Commitments 31

13. Approval by Corporate Bodies 36

14. General Cooperation Principles regarding Regulatory Approvals 37

15. Effectiveness, Term and Termination 38

16. Notices 40

17. Miscellaneous 42

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**RECITALS** 

(A) **WHEREAS**, the Company is a European company (*Societas Europaea*) organized under the laws of
Germany, with registered seat in Dusseldorf, Germany, registered with the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) at the local court (*Amtsgericht*) of Dusseldorf under HRB 109982. The Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of
Section 17 German Stock Corporation Act (*Aktiengesetz*) **  (herein "**AktG**") from time to time are hereinafter also referred to as "**Group Companies**" and collectively the "**Group** ".

(B) **WHEREAS**, the registered share capital of the Company amounts to EUR 249,375,000.00 and is divided into
99,750,000 no-par value registered shares (*auf den Namen lautende St ü ckaktien*), each representing a notional share in the registered share capital (*rechnerische Beteiligung am Grundkapital*) of EUR 2.50 (herein "**Company Shares** "). The Company Shares are listed on the regulated market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE000KC01000). The Company does not hold any treasury
shares.

(C) **WHEREAS**, the Bidder is a limited liability company (*Gesellschaft mit beschr ä nkter Haftung*) organized under the laws of Germany, with registered seat in Stuttgart, registered with the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) at the local court (*Amtsgericht*) of Stuttgart under HRB 801625. The Bidder is an indirectly
wholly owned subsidiary of WST, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Ohio, registered with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio under registration number 5007932, which shares are admitted to trading on the regulated
markets in the United States of America (*New York Stock Exchange, NYSE*).

(D) **WHEREAS**, the Bidder intends to combine its business with the business of the Group by submitting a
voluntary public cash takeover offer (*Ü bernahmeangebot*) (herein "**Takeover Offer**") within the meaning of Section 29 para. 1 German Takeover Act (*Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ü bernahmegesetz*) (herein "**Wp Ü G**") to the shareholders of the Company for all Company Shares, including such 41,428,687 Company Shares that are to be tendered into the Takeover Offer
pursuant to an irrevocable undertaking between the Bidder and SWOCTEM GmbH, a limited liability company (*Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung*) organized under the laws of Germany, with registered seat in Haiger, Germany, registered with
the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) at the local court (*Amtsgericht*) of Wetzlar under HRB 3483 (such Company Shares, the "**Irrevocable Shares**") (herein "**Transaction** ").

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(E) **WHEREAS**, by entering into this business combination agreement (herein "**Agreement** "),
the Parties, *inter alia*, wish to foster a strategic partnership between the Bidder and its Affiliates on the one hand and the Company on the other hand as well as to raise the long-term, sustained value of the business of the Group, as
further detailed in this Agreement.

(F) **WHEREAS**, the Company's management board (*Vorstand*) (herein "**Management Board**") and its supervisory board (*Aufsichtsrat*) (herein "**Supervisory Board**") have, based on the information available to them to date, taken the view that the Takeover Offer is in the best interest of the Company
including the Company's shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders. The Management Board and the Supervisory Board have concluded that the cooperation with the Bidder as a reliable and strategic partner entails significant strategic
advantages for the Company, by strengthening the Company's business and generating growth.

(G) **WHEREAS**, the Parties acknowledge that the Management Board and the Supervisory Board shall at all times
be free to take decisions and carry out measures, if and to the extent such decisions or measures are in the best interest of the Company and the Company's shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders and are required under their respective
Fiduciary Duties (as defined below).

(H) **WHEREAS**, this Agreement sets forth the principal terms and conditions of the Takeover Offer as well as
the mutual intentions and understandings of the Parties with regard thereto, the future organizational and corporate governance structure of the Company, and the business strategy to be pursued by the Takeover Offer.

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**NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:** 

**1.** **Interpretation and Definitions** 

1.1 Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meaning assigned to the respective term anywhere in
this Agreement. Section 1.11 lists the terms defined in this Agreement for information purposes.

1.2 Throughout this Agreement, foreign legal terms shall be interpreted as referring to the most closely related
relevant German legal term or concept or, where a German translation has been added to a legal term, to the relevant legal term or concept assigned to them by the German translation. Where jurisdictions other than Germany are concerned, reference
shall be made to the legal term or concept of that jurisdiction that comes as close as possible to the relevant German legal term or concept. In case of any contradiction between legally mandatory provisions under the WpÜG (including any
regulation promulgated thereunder), as interpreted by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (*Bundesanstalt f ü r Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht* – **  "**BaFin**") and competent German
courts, the respective provisions under, and interpretation of, the WpÜG shall prevail and this Agreement shall be amended to reflect the Parties' intentions to the utmost extent.

1.3 Whenever in this Agreement a reference is made to a certain legal entity (*e.g.*, the Company, Bidder,
etc.), this reference shall always include any legal successor of the referred entity (*e.g.*, the surviving entity in a merger).

1.4 The table of contents as well as the headings of the sections and subsections in this Agreement are for
convenience purposes only and shall not affect the interpretation of any of the provisions hereof.

1.5 Words such as "hereof", "herein" or "hereunder" and words of similar import
refer (unless otherwise required by the context) to this Agreement as a whole and not to a specific provision of this Agreement. The terms "include" or "including" shall mean "include/including, without
limitation". The term "or" shall mean "and/or" unless used in combination with the term "either" or where the context requires otherwise. Terms defined in the singular have a comparable meaning when used in
the plural, and *vice versa*.

1.6 References to "writing" (or similar wording) include communication made by post, facsimile, or
email.

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1.7 Where this Agreement requires a Party to use "best efforts," this shall require such Party to take
all such efforts which are from the perspective of a prudent business person reasonable and appropriate (*alle wirtschaftlich vernünftigen und angemessenen Bemühungen unternehmen*).

1.8 For the avoidance of doubt, the obligations applicable to the Supervisory Board members in this Agreement shall
not apply to SWOCTEM GmbH.

1.9 The Exhibits to this Agreement are an integral part of this Agreement. Any reference to this Agreement includes
this Agreement and the Exhibits as a whole, and any reference to a specific provision of this Agreement includes the Exhibits referenced therein.  **<u>Exhibit 1.9</u>** sets forth a list of the Exhibits to this Agreement for information purposes.

1.10 **Certain Definitions** 

For the purpose of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meaning:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **"Action"** | means any claim, charge, action, cause of action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, mediation, interference, audit, assessment, hearing or other legal proceeding (whether sounding in contract, tort or otherwise, whether civil or criminal and whether brought, conducted, tried or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any governmental authority). |
| **"Affiliate"** | means, in relation to a person or other entity, any person or other entity which directly or indirectly (i) controls such person or other entity by way of the majority of capital or voting rights or (ii) is thus controlled by such person or other entity or (iii) is thus controlled by the same person or entity as such person or other entity. |
| **"Becker Group"** | means Becker Stahl-Service GmbH, Becker Stainless GmbH, Becker-Stainless Center GmbH, Becker Aluminium Service GmbH, Umformtechnik Stendal GmbH and Umformtechnik Stendal UTS s.r.o. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **"Business Days"** | means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in Dusseldorf, Germany, and New York City, United States of America are generally closed. |
| **"Business Plan"** | means the Company's business plan dated 9 December 2025 with the VDR reference 1.8.2, KCO_Agenda Papers SB SBM_2025-09-12. |
| **"Court"** | means any court of law in a Member State of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Serbia or Switzerland. |
| **"Fiduciary Duties"** | means (i) the respective responsibilities and duties of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board under German law, specifically the fiduciary duties, (ii) the duty of care and loyalty under Sections 93 and 116 AktG, the concept of managerial neutrality (Section 33 WpÜG) and further requirements under the WpÜG and the WpÜG AngebV, and (iii) managerial and/or supervisory tasks and duties, including, but not limited to, the business judgment rule (Sections 76, 93 as well as 116 AktG). The Management Board and Supervisory Board may only disregard their obligations under this Agreement with regard to their Fiduciary Duties if compliance with such obligations would constitute a breach of their respective Fiduciary Duties, based on the advice of their financial and/or legal advisors. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **"Financing Parties"** | means, at any time, the persons that have committed to provide or arrange or have otherwise entered into agreements in connection with all or any part of the Committed Financing or any other financing (including the parties to the Debt Commitment Documentation and any agreements, any joinder agreements, engagement letters, underwriting agreements, indentures, loan agreements or credit agreements entered into in connection therewith), including the agents, arrangers, lenders, underwriters, initial purchasers, placement agents and other entities that have committed to provide or arrange or have otherwise entered into agreements in connection with all or part of the Committed Financing. |
| **"Long Stop Date"** | means no later than within 12 months following the expiration of the initial Acceptance Period or such earlier date as included in the Offer Document upon the request of BaFin. |
| **"Material Group Companies"** | means all Group Companies other than non-operative and/or dormant Group Companies. |
| **"Order"** | means any order, resolution, decision, judgment, decree, or other determination of a Court. |
| **"Representatives"** | mean any of the respective Party's Affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, financiers and advisers (including attorneys, auditors, investment advisers and financial advisors), and with respect to the Group, to the extent each of them acting on behalf or with the consent of the Company or any Group Company. |

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1.11 **List of Definitions** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Acceptance Period | as defined in Section 3.4 |
| Action | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Ad Hoc Announcement | as defined in Section 2.1.2 |
| Affiliate | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Agreement | as defined in Recital (E) |
| AktG | as defined in Recital (A) |
| Back-Stop Financing | as defined in Section 12.3.4 |
| BaFin | as defined in Section 1.2 |
| Becker Group | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Bidder | as defined in the List of Parties |
| Business Combination Plan | as defined in Section 9.2 |
| Business Days | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Business Plan | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Clearances | as defined in Section 3.5.1 |
| Closing | as defined in Section 4.1 |
| Committed Financing | as defined in Section 12.1 |
| Company | as defined in the List of Parties |
| Company Shares | as defined in Recital (B) |
| Competing Merger | as defined in Section 4.3 |
| Competing Offer | as defined in Section 4.3 |
| Competing Transaction | as defined in Section 4.3 |
| Confidential Information | as defined in Section 17.1.2 |
| Confidentiality Agreement | as defined in Section 17.1.1 |
| Court | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Debt Commitment Documentation | as defined in Section 12.1 |
| Delisting | as defined in Section 10.1 |
| DPLTA | as defined in Section 10.2 |
| FDI Clearances | as defined in Section 3.5.2 |
| Fiduciary Duties | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Financing Parties | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| FSR Clearance | as defined in Section 3.5.3 |
| Group | as defined in Recital (A) |
| Group Companies | as defined in Recital (A) |
| Independent Expert | as defined in Section 3.5.9 |
| Integration Committee | as defined in Section 9.2 |
| Irrevocable Shares | as defined in Recital (D) |
| Long Stop Date | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Management Board | as defined in Recital (F) |
| MAR | as defined in Section 2.1.2 |
| Material Compliance Breach | as defined in Section 3.5.9 |
| Material Compliance Violation | as defined in Section 3.5.9 |
| Material Group Companies | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Merger Control Clearances | as defined in Section 3.5.1 |
| Minimum Acceptance Condition | as defined in Section 3.5.4 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Minimum Acceptance Threshold | as defined in Section 3.5.4 |
| Offer Announcement | as defined in Section 2.1.1 |
| Offer Conditions | as defined in Section 3.5 |
| Offer Document | as defined in Section 2.3 |
| Offer Price | as defined in Section 3.3 |
| Order | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Party / Parties | as defined in the List of Parties |
| Planned 2025 Dividend | as defined in Section 3.5.5 |
| Refinancing Amount | as defined in Section 12.3.1 |
| Relevant Company Financing Arrangements | as defined in Section 12.3.1 |
| Replacement Facilities | as defined in Section 12.3.3 |
| Representatives | as defined in Section 1.10 |
| Response Statement | as defined in Section 5.1 |
| Squeeze-out | as defined in Section 10.3 |
| Superior Offer | as defined in Section 4.4.2 |
| Supervisory Board | as defined in Recital (F) |
| Takeover Offer | as defined in Recital (D) |
| Transaction | as defined in Recital (D) |
| UmwG | as defined in Section 10.3 |
| WpÜG | as defined in Recital (D) |
| WpÜG AngebV | as defined in Section 3.1 |
| WST | as defined in the List of Parties |
| WST Commitment Letter | as defined in Section 12.1 |

---

**2.** **Beginning of the Offer Proceedings** 

2.1 <u>Formal Publications</u>: Immediately after the signing of this Agreement,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.1 the Bidder shall publish the decision regarding the launch of the Takeover Offer, also stating the offered
consideration, pursuant to Section 10 WpÜG as set forth in  **<u>Exhibit</u> <u>2.1.1</u>** (herein "**Offer Announcement** "); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.2 the Company shall publish an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 17 para. 1 European Market Abuse Regulation
(herein "**MAR**") as set forth in  **<u>Exhibit</u> <u>2.1.2</u>** (herein "**Ad Hoc Announcement** ").

2.2 <u>Press Releases</u>: Promptly after the Bidder's publication of the Offer Announcement and the
Company's publication of the Ad Hoc Announcement, the Company on the one hand and the Bidder and/or WST on the other hand shall each publish press releases in respect of the Takeover Offer as set forth in  **<u>Exhibit</u> <u>2.2</u>** . The Company on the one hand and the Bidder and/or WST on the other hand shall reasonably coordinate their respective overall communication strategy including towards business partners and
employees as well as any further press releases or other forms of communication to the public or the press in respect of the Takeover Offer.

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2.3 <u>Offer Document</u>: The Ad Hoc Announcement and the press releases pursuant to Section 2.1.2 and
Section 2.2 above shall reflect that the Management Board and the Supervisory Board welcome and, subject to a review of the published offer document within the meaning of Section 11 WpÜG (herein "**Offer Document** "),
support the Takeover Offer, and that the members of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board, to the extent they directly hold Company Shares, for the avoidance of doubt except with respect to Company Shares indirectly held by Friedhelm Loh
which shall be subject to a separate agreement, and to the extent legally permissible, intend to tender such shares into the Takeover Offer.

2.4 <u>Disclosure of Material Content</u>: The Company hereby agrees that the Bidder will disclose a summary of the
material content of this Agreement as part of the Offer Document as well as in the press release by WST and/or the Bidder referred to in Section 2.2 above. Further, the Company hereby agrees that WST and/or the Bidder may disclose this
Agreement in whole or in part as part of its or its Affiliates filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Conversely, the Bidder hereby agrees that the Company will disclose a summary of the material content of this Agreement in the
press release referred to in Section 2.2 above as well as in the Response Statement regarding the Takeover Offer.

**3.** **Launch of the Takeover Offer** 

3.1 <u>Preparation of the Offer Document</u>: The Bidder shall prepare the Offer Document in accordance with
applicable law, in adherence to best market practices for takeovers of German target companies listed on the regulated market of a German stock exchange and the terms of this Agreement. The Takeover Offer shall comply in respect to content and form
with the rules for a takeover offer under the WpÜG, the German Takeover Act Offer Ordinance (*Wp Ü G-Angebotsverordnung*) (herein "**Wp Ü G AngebV** "), and the terms of the Takeover Offer as set forth in this Agreement. The Bidder shall submit the Offer Document to BaFin as soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof. The Bidder shall not request an extension of the
regular statutory submission period of four (4) weeks. The Bidder shall publish the Offer Document without undue delay (*unverzüglich*) after approval by BaFin.

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3.2 <u>Cooperation</u>: The Bidder shall prepare the Offer Document in reasonable cooperation and consultation with
the Company and its advisors. Specifically, the Bidder shall give the Company and its advisors reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the draft Offer Document at least five (5) Business Days prior to the first submission to BaFin and,
to the extent reasonably practicable, within reasonable time periods prior to every following filing of the draft Offer Document with BaFin. The Bidder shall (i) give due consideration in good faith to and reasonably reflect the Company's
comments, provided that those comments are received sufficiently in advance of the submission of the Offer Document to BaFin, and (ii) use best efforts to respond as promptly as reasonably possible to any comments from BaFin with respect to the
Offer Document. The Bidder shall be solely responsible for the content of the Offer Document and neither the Company nor its advisors shall assume or be deemed to have assumed any responsibility or liability for the content of the Offer Document or
its compliance with the provisions of the WpÜG. The Bidder will keep the Company fully informed about the approval process with BaFin, including amendments to the Offer Document as requested by BaFin, and will timely provide the Company with a
copy of each draft of the Offer Document that is submitted to BaFin. To the extent legally permissible, the Company will use best efforts to provide the Bidder and its advisors as promptly as reasonably possible with the information reasonably
required for the preparation of the Offer Document.

3.3 <u>Offer Price</u>: The consideration offered for the Company Shares in the Takeover Offer shall be a cash
consideration in the amount of EUR 11.00 (in words: eleven Euros) per Company Share, subject to any increases either made voluntarily or in accordance with the provisions of the WpÜG (including any claims under Section 31 para. 4 through 6
WpÜG) (herein "**Offer Price** ").

3.4 <u>Acceptance Period</u>: The Takeover Offer shall provide for an initial acceptance period of not more than
five (5) weeks but be no less than twenty (20) U.S. business days (to be determined as set forth in Rule 14d-1(g)3 and Rule 14e-1(a) of the U.S. Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) and may be extended by the Bidder only if such extension is previously approved by the Company in writing upon written request by the Bidder (herein "**Acceptance Period** "), unless extended by
mandatory law.

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3.5 <u>Other Conditions</u>: Subject to the approval by BaFin, as actually set out in the published Offer Document
to reflect changes requested by BaFin, the Takeover Offer shall be subject only to the following conditions (herein "**Offer Conditions** "):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.1 <u>Merger Control Clearances</u>: To the extent such clearances have not been granted or are not deemed to have
been granted under the applicable merger control laws prior to the publication of the Offer Document, all applicable merger control clearances in the countries listed in  **<u>Exhibit 3.5.1</u>** required to consummate the Transaction are either
(i) granted by the competent merger control authorities, or (ii) deemed to have been granted under the applicable merger control laws, or (iii) not required to be obtained as the competent authorities have confirmed that they do not
have or do not assume jurisdiction over the Transaction, in each case no later than the Long Stop Date (herein "**Merger Control Clearances**" and together with any FDI Clearances and FSR Clearance "**Clearances** ").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.2 <u>FDI Clearances</u>: To the extent such clearances have not been granted or are not deemed to have been
granted under the applicable foreign direct investment laws prior to the publication of the Offer Document, all foreign direct investment control clearances in the countries listed in  **<u>Exhibit 3.5.2</u>** required as a prerequisite to
consummate the Transaction are (i) granted by the competent authorities, or (ii) deemed to have been granted by the competent authorities under the applicable foreign direct investment control laws, or (iii) not required to be
obtained as the competent authorities have confirmed that they do not have or do not assume jurisdiction over the Transaction, in each case no later than the Long Stop Date (herein "**FDI Clearances** ").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.3 <u>FSR Clearance</u>: To the extent such clearance has not been granted prior to the publication of the Offer
Document, foreign subsidies control clearance is (i) either granted by the European Commission under the Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Foreign Subsidies Distorting the Internal Market, or
(ii) the Transaction is deemed to have been cleared thereunder, no later than the Long Stop Date (herein "**FSR Clearance** ").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.4 <u>Minimum Acceptance</u>: As of the expiration of the Acceptance Period, the sum of the number of

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) tendered Company Shares including the Irrevocable Shares, *i.e.*, the Company Shares for which the
acceptance of the Takeover Offer has been effectively declared until the expiry of the Acceptance Period and for which no withdrawal of the agreement concluded by the acceptance of the Takeover Offer has been effectively declared,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Company Shares for which the Bidder or any person acting jointly with the Bidder within the meaning of
Section 2 para. 5 WpÜG have concluded an agreement outside of the Offer, which entitles them to demand, without the obligation to retransfer, the transfer of title to those Company Shares,

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Company Shares held by the Bidder or any person acting jointly with the Bidder within the meaning of
Section 2 para. 5 WpÜG,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Company Shares that are attributed to the Bidder or any person acting jointly with the Bidder within the
meaning of Section 2 para. 5 WpÜG pursuant to Section 30 WpÜG, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) Company Shares that are attributed to the Bidder or any person acting jointly with the Bidder within the
meaning of Section 2 para. 5 WpÜG pursuant to Section 38 WpHG

equals at least 65% (in words: sixty-five per cent) of the Company Shares issued as of the expiration of the Acceptance Period (herein "**Minimum Acceptance Condition**" and the threshold "**Minimum Acceptance Threshold**") (corresponding to 64,837,500 Company Shares at the time of the publication of the Offer Document), whereby the Company Shares which are subject to several of the preceding subsections are to be taken into account only once.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.5 <u>No Unplanned Dividend</u>: Between the publication of the Offer Document and the expiration of the
Acceptance Period, no shareholders' resolution of a shareholders' meeting of the Company approving the distribution of a dividend by the Company, except for a dividend per Company Share for the financial year 2025 in the amount of up to
EUR 0.20 (in words: twenty cents) ()"**Planned 2025 Dividend** "), has been adopted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.6 <u>No Insolvency, no dissolution</u>: Between the publication of the Offer Document and the expiration of the
Acceptance Period, the Company has not published an ad hoc notification pursuant to Art. 17 MAR or any other public announcement that (i) insolvency proceedings under German law have been opened in respect of the assets of the Company,
(ii) the Management Board has applied for such proceedings to be opened or (iii) there are grounds that would require an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings. Between the publication of the Offer Document and the
expiration of the Acceptance Period, the shareholders' meeting of the Company has not adopted a resolution to dissolve the Company.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.7 <u>No Capital Increase, no share buy-back</u>: Between the publication
of the Offer Document and the expiration of the Acceptance Period, none of the following events has occurred:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Company has issued, or the shareholders' meeting of the Company has adopted a resolution on the
issuance of any additional share capital of the Company, including (A) any capital increase from capital reserves (*Kapitalerhöhung aus Gesellschaftsmitteln*), and/or (B) the issuance of rights or instruments (including those
under Section 221 AktG) giving the right to subscribe for new shares in the Company (including under the Company's conditional capital);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the Company has published an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 17 MAR or any other public announcement
pursuant to which the Management Board and/or the Supervisory Board have adopted a resolution (A) to increase the share capital of the Company from authorized capital or (B) to issue rights or instruments (including those under
Section 221 AktG) giving the right to subscribe for shares in the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the Company has published an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 17 MAR or any other public announcement
pursuant to which the Company has implemented, or the shareholders' meeting of the Company has adopted a resolution to implement, a share split, reverse share split or any other measure that changes or would, if implemented, change the
registered share capital of the Company or its composition; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) the Company has published an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 17 MAR or any other public announcement
pursuant to which the Company (A) has acquired or resolved to acquire own shares or (B) has granted, sold, contracted to sell, transferred, or otherwise disposed of any treasury shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.8 <u>No prohibition of the Takeover Offer</u>: Between the publication of the Offer Document and the expiry of
the Acceptance Period, the Bidder has not received any Order from any Court which is still in effect immediately prior to the expiry of the Acceptance Period prohibiting continuation or consummation of the Takeover Offer.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.9 <u>Compliance</u>: Between the publication of the Offer Document and the expiry of the Acceptance Period,
neither

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) has the Company published circumstances by way of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 17 MAR that
constitute a criminal offense (*Straftat*) or administrative offense (*Ordnungswidrigkeit*) under applicable financial reporting, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-trust or anti-money laundering laws (the "**Material Compliance Breach**") by the Company, any Group Company or any member of the Company's or the relevant Group Company's management board or supervisory board or authorized signatories (*Prokuristen*) or employees, each acting on behalf
of the Company or a Group Company, nor

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) have circumstances occurred that constitute a Material Compliance Breach by the Company, any Group Company or
any member of the Company's or the relevant Group Company's management board or supervisory board or authorized signatories (*Prokuristen*) or employees, each acting on behalf of the Company or a Group Company, that would have had
to be published by way of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 17 MAR or that the Company did not publish because of delay of the disclosure pursuant to Art. 17 para. 4 MAR

(each a "**Material Compliance Violation**").

The opinion of an independent expert, which for these purposes shall be Kroll, LLC (the "**Independent Expert"**), shall exclusively determine whether circumstances have occurred during the Acceptance Period that constitute a Material Compliance Violation. If (i) the Independent Expert confirms that circumstances have occurred during the Acceptance Period that constitute such Material Compliance Violation, (ii) the opinion of the Independent Expert has been received by the Bidder by the end of the Acceptance Period and (iii) the Bidder has published the receipt and the result of this Independent Expert opinion by no later than the publication of the announcement pursuant to Section 23 para. 1 sentence 2 no 2 WpÜG, the Offer Condition under this Section 3.5.9 is not satisfied. Otherwise, this Offer Condition is satisfied. Section 14.5 shall apply *mutatis mutandis* to all information reasonably required, to the extent legally permissible and within the Company's possession and control, in connection with the Independent Expert's assessment of the occurrence of circumstances during the Acceptance Period that may constitute a Material Compliance Violation, including reasonable factual statements requested by the Independent Expert.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5.10 <u>No material adverse change of the market environment</u>: Between the publication of the Offer Document and
the expiry of the Acceptance Period, none of the following events has occurred:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the trading of the Company Shares has been suspended for more than three (3) consecutive trading days on
the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) for three (3) consecutive trading days, the closing price of the SDAX (ISIN DE0009653386) as determined by
Deutsche Börse or a successor and published on their website (https://www.boerse-frankfurt.de/indices/sdax?mic=XETR), is more than 25% (in words: twenty-five percent) below the closing price of the SDAX on the last trading day before the day of
publication of the decision to make the offer pursuant to Section 10 para. 1 sentence 1 WpÜG, *i.e.*, below a threshold of the SDAX of 13,560.44 points.

3.6 <u>Waiver of Offer Conditions</u>: To the extent legally permissible, the Bidder is entitled to waive any and
all of the Offer Conditions in whole or in part, provided that any waiver of an Offer Condition or change of the Minimum Acceptance Threshold shall be subject to the prior good-faith consultation with the Company.

3.7 <u>Closing</u>: The Takeover Offer shall be settled by payment of the offer consideration without undue delay
and in any event not later than eight (8) Business Days after (i) the announcement pursuant to Section 23 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 3 WpÜG has been published and (ii) the announcement by the Bidder that all Offer Conditions
have been satisfied or validly waived.

**4.** **Deal Protection and Future Support of the Takeover Offer** 

4.1 <u>Support of the Takeover Offer</u>: From the day of signing this Agreement to the earlier of (i) the
termination of the Agreement and (ii) the consummation of the Transaction (herein "**Closing** "), subject to applicable antitrust laws and to Section 4.4, the Company shall use best efforts to cooperate with the Bidder and
to support the Transaction.

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4.2 <u>No Solicitation of Competing Offer:</u> From the day of signing this Agreement to the earlier of
(i) the termination of the Agreement and (ii) the Closing, the Company shall refrain from and shall ensure that its Management Board and Supervisory Board members, any other Group Company as well as the Company's and the Group
Companies' respective Representatives will refrain from, directly or indirectly, initiating or taking any measures or steps which would or would reasonably be expected to prevent, delay or otherwise adversely affect the success or timely
completion of the Takeover Offer, provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent the Company from conducting its business in the ordinary course and in accordance with the Fiduciary Duties of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board.

4.3 In particular, the Company shall not, and shall procure that its Management Board and Supervisory Board
members, any other Group Company as well as the Company's and the Group Companies' respective Representatives will not, directly or indirectly (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding SWOCTEM GmbH which shall be subject to a separate
agreement),

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3.1 solicit a competing public offer for Company Shares by a third party (herein a "**Competing Offer**") or another transaction which is economically or otherwise comparable to a Competing Offer and which, if implemented, would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the success or timely completion of the Takeover Offer (including
any merger, consolidation or combination to which the Company ()"**Competing Merger**") or any material Group Company is a party to or any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets and properties of the
Company or any material Group Company) (the Competing Offer together with a Competing Merger or any such transaction, a "**Competing Transaction** "); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3.2 engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any communications, discussions or negotiations relating to, or
furnish to any other person any confidential documents or other confidential information relating to the Company, the Group or its or their business for the purpose of soliciting (i) a Competing Transaction or (ii) any inquiry, proposal or
offer that could reasonably be expected to lead to a Competing Transaction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3.3 enter into any business combination agreement, acquisition agreement or similar agreements with respect to a
Competing Transaction, except in connection with a Superior Offer as set forth in Section 4.4.2.

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4.4 <u>Permitted Engagement with Third Parties</u>: Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the Company, the
Management Board, the Supervisory Board, or any other Group Company from:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.4.1 providing information duly requested or required by a regulatory authority;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.4.2 engaging with a third party that submits a *bona fide*, unsolicited indication of interest that is
reasonably likely to result in (i) a fully financed (certain funds) Competing Offer or Competing Merger that in the reasonable view of the Management Board, advised by its legal and financial advisors, provides for, if taking into account all
elements of such offer (including, among others, likelihood and timing of its completion, conditionality and additional benefits), more beneficial terms for the Company, its shareholders, its employees and its other stakeholders than the Takeover
Offer and (ii) an offer consideration per Company Share exceeding the Offer Price by at least EUR 0.25 (in words: twenty-five cents) per Company Share or Competing Merger implying a comparatively higher valuation of the Company by such amount
(herein, respectively, a "**Superior Offer** "); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.4.3 acting, based on the advice of their financial and legal advisors, in accordance with the Fiduciary Duties.

4.5 <u>Information</u>: The Company shall, subject to applicable law, without undue delay notify the Bidder in case
it receives a bona fide written (email being sufficient) offer that, in the reasonable opinion of the Management Board based on the advice of its legal and financial advisors, is reasonably likely to result in a Competing Transaction or a Superior
Offer within the meaning of Section 4.4.2, stating the material terms and conditions of such written offer.

4.6 <u>Matching Right</u>: The Parties shall discuss in good faith whether the Bidder is prepared to match the more
beneficial terms of the Superior Offer.

**5.** **Recommendations by the Company's Corporate Bodies** 

5.1 <u>Response Statement</u>: Without undue delay (*unverz ü glich*), and in any event
within two (2) weeks from the publication of the Offer Document, the Management Board and the Supervisory Board shall (i) prepare a statement required pursuant to Section 27 WpÜG (*begr ü ndete Stellungnahme*) (herein "**Response Statement** "), and (ii) publish the Response Statement pursuant to Sections 27 para. 3 and 14 para. 3 WpÜG. A draft version of the Response Statement shall be shared
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Bidder at least three (3) Business Days prior to the approval by the Supervisory Board and the Management Board to enable the Bidder to review and comment on such draft. The Management Board and Supervisory Board shall give due consideration in good faith to and reasonably consider the Bidder's comments to the Response Statement, provided that those comments are received two (2) Business Days following the Bidder's receipt of the Response Statement.

5.2 <u>Content of Response Statement</u>: The Management Board and the Supervisory Board, after having duly
reviewed and analyzed the Offer Document, acting in good faith and in accordance with their Fiduciary Duties, shall state in the Response Statement that (i) in their reasonable opinion, the Takeover Offer is in the best interest of the Company,
(ii) they regard the Offer Price as adequate, attractive and fair, (iii) they welcome and support the Takeover Offer, (iv) they recommend to the holders of Company Shares to tender their Company Shares into the Takeover Offer and
(v) the members of the Management Board and Supervisory Board will tender all Company Shares directly or indirectly held by them, except with respect to Company Shares indirectly held by Friedhelm Loh which shall be subject to a separate
agreement, into the Offer to the extent each of the members of the Management Board and Supervisory Board are, vested with the unrestricted right to dispose (or the Supervisory Board resolved to release the relevant Company Shares from the
restrictions to dispose) of such shares during the Acceptance Period subject to the provisions of Section 5.3 below.

5.3 <u>Recommendation Requirements</u>: The obligation to render the Response Statement in accordance with
Section 5.2 above is subject to the following requirements:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3.1 the Takeover Offer complies with the terms of this Agreement, save for, individually or in the aggregate,
immaterial deviations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3.2 the Bidder has not taken any action, including making any public statement, which clearly contradicts its
intention to fulfil its obligations under this Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3.3 no offer document or comparable document for a Superior Offer has been published in accordance with
Section 14 WpÜG (it being understood that the Competing Offer or Competing Merger is no longer to be considered a Superior Offer in the meaning of Section 4.4.2 if the offer price per Company Share of such offer has been matched by
the Bidder); if the decision to make a Superior Offer has been announced in accordance with Section 10 WpÜG or in a comparable manner, the Response Statement shall still be rendered in accordance with Section 5.2 above, but may
contain the limitation that it or they, as applicable, may be amended and that the Superior Offer may be recommended if an offer document in relation to the Superior Offer is published in accordance with Section 14 WpÜG or in a comparable
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3.4 the Offer Document for the Takeover Offer has been published in accordance with conditions no less favorable to
the Company and the Company's shareholders than the offer terms stated in Sections 3.3 through 3.5 above and not otherwise contradicting this Agreement or statutory requirements, unless so required by BaFin pursuant to Section 3.2;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3.5 the financing of the Takeover Offer in accordance with Section 12 has been confirmed by a financing
confirmation within the meaning of Section 13 para. 1 WpÜG and such confirmation has not been withdrawn; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3.6 no other circumstances exist or developments occur which, in the reasonable opinion of the Management Board or
the Supervisory Board, as applicable, based on the advice of their financial and/or legal advisors, would cause the members of the Management Board or the members of the Supervisory Board, as applicable, to breach their respective Fiduciary Duties,
by welcoming and supporting the Takeover Offer.

5.4 From the date of this Agreement, subject to their respective Fiduciary Duties, the Management Board and the
Supervisory Board shall not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.4.1 withdraw, amend or qualify adversely to the Bidder, or withdraw their intention to give, or otherwise breach
their obligation to issue, the Response Statement in accordance with Section 5.2 (except as set forth in Section 5.3); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.4.2 recommend (or agree or resolve to recommend), explicitly or implicitly, a Competing Transaction, unless, a
Superior Offer has been announced by a third party (it being understood that the Competing Offer or Competing Merger is no longer to be considered a Superior Offer in the meaning of Section 4.4.2 if the offer price per Company Share of such
offer has been matched by the Bidder).

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**6.** **Business Strategy** 

6.1 <u>Objective</u>: The Parties share the objective that the Transaction further strengthens the Group's
business and creates long-term value. The Bidder and WST express their intention to support the Management Board and its overall strategic direction, including the currently pursued "Klöckner & Co SE: Leveraging Strengths –
Step Up 2030" through which the Company committed itself to intensify its focus on the higher value-added and service centered business, such as processing and fabrication solutions, within its customer value chain. The Bidder and WST
acknowledge the Management Board's vision and strategy and see themself as long-term partner to the Company with the overall goal to support the Group.

6.2 <u>Implementation of Strategy and Support by the Bidder</u>: The Bidder and WST acknowledge the Company's
successful development to date and intend to support the Management Board in accelerating the implementation of the Company's strategy with a particular focus on the three pillars of the Company's strategy – (i) diversification and
enhancement of the product and service portfolio, (ii) collaboration with strategic partners and suppliers, and (iii) operational excellence – in order to provide even more compelling customer solutions. The Bidder and WST intend to
add value as an enabling long-term partner, fostering a constructive and trust-based dialogue and, where appropriate, making available experience, networks and flexible resources to support the Company's growth. As part of the Company's
strategy, the Bidder and WST are aware and acknowledge that Becker Group is subject to a strategic exit review by the Company's Management Board. In this context, the Company is committed to exit the business by conducting an efficient and
expedited sales process for a potential sale to a third party. The Company shall classify Becker Group as asset held for sale for accounting purposes in financial statements for the first quarter of 2026. None of the stipulations in this Agreement
shall limit this process.

**7.** **Corporate Governance** 

7.1 <u>Management Board</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1.1 The Bidder and WST acknowledge the achievements, experience and expertise of the current members of the
Management Board. The Bidder and WST acknowledge that the Management Board shall continue to manage the Company independently and exclusively in its own responsibility.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1.2 The Bidder and WST have full trust and confidence in the current members of the Management Board and do not
intend to effect or initiate a change of the composition of, or the allocation of responsibility of the individual members of, the Management Board. Accordingly, and subject to the to be developed Business Combination Plan (as defined below), the
Bidder and WST do not intend to initiate or support any action aiming at changes to the current composition of the Management Board or allocation of responsibilities (*Gesch ä ftsverteilung*), or the termination of any
corresponding service agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1.3 The Bidder and WST will evaluate, in the context of the Business Combination Plan and based on "best in
class" principles, the best possible management set-up for the combined group and potential group wide positions to be offered to the current members of the Management Board.

7.2 <u>Supervisory Board</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2.1 The Supervisory Board shall continue to consist of six (6) members. The Bidder and WST do not intend to
initiate, cause, procure or support a change of the size of the Supervisory Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2.2 Following Closing, the Bidder and WST intend to be represented in the Supervisory Board in a manner which
appropriately reflects the shareholding and role as strategic partner.

**8.** **Sites and Locations; Workforce and Employees** 

8.1 <u>Headquarters</u>: The Bidder and WST intend not to cause the Company to relocate its corporate seat or
headquarters in respect of the Company's European business from Dusseldorf, Germany.

8.2 <u>Workforce and Employees</u>: The Bidder, WST and the Management Board share the view that a careful and
consensual approach to employees and their representatives is instrumental to operate a successful company. Other than as (i) proposed by the Management Board or (ii) resolved by the Management Board from time to time or (iii) in line
with the Business Combination Plan, the Bidder and WST acknowledge and confirm that they intend:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2.1 to support the Management Board in maintaining and developing an attractive and competitive framework to retain
an excellent employee base;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2.2 not to initiate lay-offs and/or the closing of plants and facilities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2.3 not to take or initiate any action aimed at the amendment or termination of existing shop agreements
(*Betriebsvereinbarungen*), collective bargaining agreements (*Tarifverträge*), or similar agreements, specifically relating to work conditions, of the Group;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2.4 to respect and not to cause the Company to change, infringe or reduce the rights of the employees and works
councils (*Betriebsräte*) and similar employee representation panels in the Group including the current structures established in connection therewith;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2.5 not to induce the Company to exit any employers' associations (*Arbeitgeberverbände*).

**9.** **Integration Framework; Integration Committee** 

9.1 The Parties intend to jointly develop an integration framework to facilitate the combination of the businesses
of the WST group and the Group, the implementation of which is subject to the Closing and subject to applicable antitrust laws. The framework is designed to support continuity of operations and clear responsibilities and to accelerate the
integration of the business. It further purports to explore and define effective ways of cooperation, based on a review of the Company and the Group for value, cost and revenue optimization as well as business combination opportunities. Functions
and tasks in the combined group shall be allocated to managers and employees based on the "best in class" principle.

9.2 From the date of this Agreement through the end of the integration phase and subject to applicable antitrust
laws, the Parties shall establish and maintain a committee to coordinate integration activities (the "**Integration Committee** "). The Integration Committee functions in advisory capacity only and shall not limit the responsibilities,
powers or fiduciary duties of the Management Board, the Supervisory Board or any other corporate body of any of the Parties. The Integration Committee shall (i) coordinate operational readiness post-Closing and integration activities,
(ii) develop, agree on and oversee an integration and business combination plan (the "**Business Combination Plan** "), (iii) identify and manage critical risks and dependencies, and (iv) recommend actions to the
competent corporate bodies, in each case subject to then prevailing commercial considerations, the fiduciary duties of the members of the respective management boards, the "best in class" principle, and applicable antitrust laws.

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9.3 The Integration Committee shall be comprised of eight (8) individuals, who shall be the two
(2) individuals then serving as chairman and as chief financial officer of the Management Board and two (2) individuals from the executive management team of WST, as well as two (2) further senior executives of each, the Company and
WST, in each case as nominated by the Company and WST, respectively. Decisions of the Integration Committee shall be made by a simple majority vote, provided that, in the event of a tie vote between representatives of the Company and WST, one
individual from the executive management team of WST, to be nominated by WST, shall have a casting vote. Until Closing, only those members of the Integration Committee may receive "Clean Team Information" under the clean team
confidentiality agreement dated 31 October 2025 between WST and the Company and act thereon which qualify as "Clean Team Members" thereunder.

**10.** **Corporate Measures** 

10.1 <u>Delisting</u>: The Management Board acknowledges that the Takeover Offer forms part of a taking private
strategy and the Bidder, therefore, evaluates to pursue a delisting of the Company Shares from the regulated market (*regulierter Markt*) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Prime Standard) as soon as possible following Closing (the
" **Delisting** "). The Management Board is prepared to consider supporting the Delisting, subject to its Fiduciary Duties, including its duty to act in the best interests of the Company, taking into account the interests of the
shareholders, employees and other stakeholders. Any such support will be determined by the Management Board at its reasonable discretion (*pflichtgemä ß em Ermessen*).

10.2 <u>Domination and/or Profit and Loss Transfer Agreement</u>: Subject to Section 10.3, the Bidder and WST
intend to initiate, cause, support or procure the conclusion of a domination and/or profit and loss transfer agreement pursuant to Section 291 AktG (the "**DPLTA** "). The Management Board acknowledges the Bidder's and
WST's intention and shall, if requested, support the DPLTA subject to its Fiduciary Duties, including its duty to act in the best interests of the Company, taking into account the interests of the shareholders, employees and other
stakeholders. Any such support will be determined by the Management Board at its reasonable discretion (*pflichtgem ä ß em Ermessen*). Subject to applicable antitrust laws and its Fiduciary Duties, the Company
agrees to provide all information to the Bidder, its advisors and the auditors of the Bidder and court appointed auditors (*gerichtlich bestellte Pr ü fer*) reasonably required for the valuations in connection with the
implementation of the DPLTA and to cooperate with the Bidder on the applications for the appointment of the court appointed auditors.

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10.3 <u>Squeeze-out</u>: If the relevant threshold is reached, the Bidder
and WST intend to initiate, cause, support or procure the implementation of a squeeze-out of the remaining minority shareholders pursuant to Sections 327a et seq. AktG or, as the case may be, Section 62
para. 5 German Transformation Act (*Umwandlungsgesetz*) (herein "**UmwG**") or, as the case may be, Section 39a WpüG (together, the "**Squeeze-out** "). The
Management Board acknowledges the Bidder's and WST's intention regarding the Squeeze-out and shall, if requested, support the Squeeze-out, subject to its
Fiduciary Duties, including its duty to act in the best interests of the Company, taking into account the interests of the shareholders, employees and other stakeholders. Any such support will be determined by the Management Board at its reasonable
discretion (*pflichtgem ä ß em Ermessen*). Section 10.2 sentence 3 of this Agreement shall apply *mutatis mutandis*.

10.4 <u>Change of Legal Form</u>: The Bidder and WST will evaluate whether to initiate, cause, support or procure a
change of legal form subject to the taking private process following Closing.

10.5 <u>Dissolution, Liquidation, or Integration</u>: The Bidder and WST undertake not to initiate, cause, support
or procure dissolution (*Aufl ö sung*), liquidation (*Liquidation*) or an integration pursuant to Sections 319 et seq. AktG.

**11.** **Company Covenants** 

11.1 <u>Covenants</u>: From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of (i) the termination of this
Agreement and (ii) Closing, the Company shall, and shall procure that the other Group Companies will, in each case unless the Bidder has granted its prior consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.1.1 with respect to the Company and its Material Group Companies, carry on its and their respective business in the
ordinary course, including the current strategy including, as set out in Section 6 and the Company's business plan, and consistent with past practice; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.1.2 refrain from any of the following other than as set out in the Business Plan:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) convening an extraordinary shareholders' meeting of the Company, including pursuant to Section 16
para. 3 WpÜG, unless such shareholders' meeting is to be convened upon a request of the shareholders of the Company pursuant to Section 122 para. 1 AktG or required by law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) proposing to the Company's shareholders to vote for a capital increase (including a capital increase from
capital reserves (*Kapitalerhöhung aus Gesellschaftsmitteln*)), any issuance of securities convertible into shares in the Company or any other equity or equity-linked transaction with respect to shares in the Company, a share split, a
consolidation of shares or a change of the rights attached to the Company's shares or its composition or any amendments to the articles of association of the Company;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) issuing any new shares in the Company or any other securities convertible into shares in the Company or carry
out any other equity or equity-linked transaction with respect to shares in the Company (including under the Company's authorized or conditional capital);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) any acquisition, reduction, or redemption of Company Shares, or proposal to pay any dividend (other than by any
Group Company to another Group Company), except for the proposal to pay the Planned 2025 Dividend to be proposed at the annual general meeting 2026;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) purchasing or acquiring any shares, any participation or any assets in any business or business organization or
conducting any other merger or consolidation, change of legal form or other transformation measure with a value of more than EUR 20 million in the aggregate;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) initiating agreements providing for capital expenditures by the Group exceeding EUR 20 million in the
individual case or EUR 40 million per annum;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) selling, transferring, otherwise disposing of, or encumbering any shares or any participation in or portion of
the assets of any member of the Group with a value of more than EUR 20 million in the aggregate;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) concluding any enterprise agreements (*Unternehmensvertrag*) within the meaning of Sections 291, 292 Stock
Corporation Act with the Company as controlled company or which materially changes the tax position of the Group;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) implementing material changes to the key provisions of the current services agreements of the members of the
Management Board, including material amendments to the existing remuneration scheme;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) concluding, incurring, assuming, guaranteeing or taking out new credit facilities, new third-party debt
financing arrangements or issuance of new debt instruments exceeding EUR 50 million in the aggregate, other than (a) relating to hedging arrangements or (b) intra-group guarantees, in each case (a) and (b) in the ordinary course
of business;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) dissolving or liquidating of any Material Group Company, other than within the ordinary course of business; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xii) settling, releasing, waiving or compromising any Action or other claim (or threatened Action) against the
Company or any Group Company, other than any settlement, release, waiver or compromise that (A) results solely in monetary obligations involving only the payment of monies by the Company or the Group Companies of not more than
EUR 1 million per Action and EUR 5 million in the aggregate, net of any amounts paid by insurers, and (B) does not result in any material non-monetary obligation of or restrictions on
the Company or any Group Company or the admission of fault, wrongdoing or violation of any law by the Company or any Group Company; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiii) entering into any agreement to take, or commit to take, any of the foregoing actions.

11.2 <u>Exemptions</u>: Nothing in Section 11.1 above shall operate so as to restrict or prevent:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.2.1 the completion or performance of any binding obligations undertaken pursuant to any contract entered into prior
to the date of this Agreement as disclosed to the Bidder or its Affiliates in the virtual data room;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.2.2 the implementation of any actions and measures required to conduct the Company as foreseen in the Business
Plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.2.3 anything required to be done by this Agreement or in order to implement the Transaction in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.2.4 anything required to be done by the Management Board and/or the Supervisory Board in order to comply with its
Fiduciary Duties or applicable law, including to adequately respond to a pandemic, war, natural disaster or other events that have or are reasonably likely to have a significant impact on the business conducted by the Group.

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11.3 <u>Information Sharing</u>: Subject to the restrictions imposed by mandatory law, the Company will, following
Closing, provide the Bidder with assistance and all information regarding the Company and the Group, which is required with respect to the financial reporting obligations that must be observed by the Bidder or WST or their Affiliates according to
applicable law or stock exchange rules.

11.4 <u>Confirmation</u>: The Company confirms that neither it nor any Group Company has acquired or agreed to
acquire Company Shares for a consideration exceeding the Offer Price during the last six (6) months before the date hereof.

11.5 <u>Standstill</u>: Without the prior written approval of the Bidder (not to be unreasonably withheld), from the
date hereof until one (1) year after the publication of the results of the initial acceptance period of the Takeover Offer pursuant to Section 21 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 2 WpÜG, the Company shall not, and shall procure that
the Group Companies will not,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.5.1 acquire, or offer to acquire any shares or other instruments in the Company or instruments relating to shares
in the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.5.2 encourage or induce another person to effect any of the matters set forth in Section 11.5.1 (except as
expressly set forth in Section 4.4.2); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.5.3 enter into an agreement or arrangement to effect any of the matters set forth in Section 11.5.1 or
Section 11.5.2.

11.6 <u>Tendering of Company Shares</u>: To the extent that individuals of the Management Board and Supervisory
Board directly or indirectly, except with respect to Company Shares indirectly held by Friedhelm Loh, hold Company Shares, the Company shall use best efforts to ensure that the relevant individuals will tender, or effect the tendering of, the
respective Company Shares into the Takeover Offer during the Acceptance Period. The Company shall use best efforts to ensure that the Supervisory Board resolves to release the Company Shares held directly by the members of the Management Board which
are not vested from the restrictions to dispose of such shares during the Acceptance Period such that the members of the Management Board may tender the non-vested Company Shares held by them into the Takeover
Offer during the Acceptance Period.

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**12.** **Bidder's Financing Commitments** 

12.1 <u>Commitment Letters</u>: With a view of financing the Transaction and to refinance certain existing debt at
the level of the Company as set forth in Section 12.3, the Financing Parties have agreed to provide committed external debt financing on a certain funds basis (herein "**Committed Financing**") to WST in the amount of up to
USD 1,900,000,000.00 pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in, a certain debt commitment letter by and among WST and the Financing Parties (herein "**Debt Commitment Documentation**") in the amounts set
forth therein. The Bidder has obtained by means of the issuance of a commitment letter by WST in the amount of up to EUR 1,632,000,000.00 (herein "**WST Commitment Letter** "), committed certain funds financing within the
meaning of Section 13 WpÜG to ensure that the Bidder will be in a position to finance the aggregate consideration to be offered to all shareholders of the Company under the Takeover Offer (including relevant transaction costs) as well as
the Refinancing Amount as defined in Section 12.3.1 below. True and complete copies of the Debt Commitment Documentation and the WST Commitment Letter have been shared with the Company prior to the entering into this Agreement.

12.2 <u>Third Party Financing Confirmation</u>: Based on the Debt Commitment Documentation and the WST Commitment
Letter, on or prior to the date of this Agreement, the Bidder has entered into an agreement with an independent securities services enterprise on the issuance of a cash confirmation (*Finanzierungsbestätigung*) within the meaning of
Section 13 WpÜG, a true and complete copy of which has been provided to the Company.

12.3 <u>Financing Support</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.3.1 The Bidder and WST acknowledge that following Closing the counterparties under the financing agreements listed
in  **<u>Exhibit 12.3.1</u>** (together "**Relevant Company Financing Arrangements**") may have a termination right as a consequence of or in anticipation of a change of control in the Company or otherwise due to
completion of the Takeover Offer (the maximum aggregate amount repayable as a consequence of the exercise of the rights set out in this Section 12.3.1 amounts to EUR 450 million, hereinafter referred to as the "**Refinancing Amount** ").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.3.2 The Company supported by the Bidder and WST shall use best efforts to obtain from the lenders under the
Relevant Company Financing Arrangements, prior to Closing, all waivers, consents, or confirmations necessary to prevent the exercise of any rights or remedies (including any acceleration, termination, prepayment, or pricing-adjustment rights) that
could arise under or in connection with the Relevant Company Financing Arrangements as a result of the Transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing,

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the Company shall not be required to (i) grant additional security or liens to secure the Relevant Company Financing Arrangements, or (ii) agree to amendments to secure the Relevant Company Financing Arrangements that are commercially adverse to the Company or the Group. Section 12.4.1 shall apply *mutatis mutandis* to the support by the Bidder and WST.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.3.3 To the extent legally permissible, the Parties shall use best efforts and cooperate in good faith to arrange,
structure, and implement replacement facilities or financing arrangements with respect to the Relevant Company Financing Arrangements for which no waivers, consents, or confirmations pursuant to Section 12.3.2 are obtained or where it is
reasonably foreseeable that no waivers, consents, or confirmations pursuant to Section 12.3.2 are obtained from the relevant lenders prior to Closing ()"**Replacement Facilities** "). The terms and conditions of the Replacement
Facilities shall be, in all material respects, on a like-for-like basis with (or more advantageous to the Company in comparison to) the Relevant Company Financing
Arrangements to be replaced, including aggregate principal amount (or committed size), tenor, collateral, ranking, covenants and events of default, subject to reasonable adjustments or changes required, *inter alia*, to reflect the then-current
market practice for comparable financing arrangements and/or the Transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.3.4 To the extent that the lenders under the Relevant Company Financing Arrangements have not agreed to waive their
potential rights or remedies under the Relevant Company Financing Arrangements and no Replacement Facilities have been put in place, if requested by the Company at the latest eight (8) Business Days prior to Closing, the Bidder and WST
undertake to make available to the Company, or to arrange that the Company is provided with, sufficient funds to refinance the Refinancing Amount from the Committed Financing which is to be drawn in a single draw down under the Debt Commitment
Documentation prior to Closing and is committed to be passed on to the Bidder under the WST Commitment Letter (together, the "**Back-Stop Financing** "), provided, however, that the Refinancing Amount shall be the limited to the
aggregate amount drawn on the eighth (8th) Business Day prior to Closing under the Relevant Company Financing Arrangements for which no such waiver has been obtained and no Replacement Facilities have been put in place. The Bidder shall, and WST
shall procure that the Bidder will, make available such Back-Stop Financing to the Company in such case. The Bidder and WST shall accordingly not cancel, terminate or amend the Committed Financing and/or the WST Commitment Letter until the earlier
of (i) the Company having obtained binding waivers under the Relevant Company Financing Arrangements as required by Section 12.3.2 or (ii) the Company having entered into binding Replacement Facilities as required by
Section 12.3.3.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.3.5 If the Company requests the Back-Stop Financing pursuant to Section 12.3.4, the Company shall subject to
the rules regarding de facto groups (*faktischer Konzern*) set forth in Section 311 et seq. AktG, (i) make use of the voluntary prepayment/early termination provisions under the Relevant Company Financing Arrangements as soon as
possible with effect as of or immediately following Closing at the latest within five (5) Business Days after Closing and (ii) accept and make use of the Back-Stop Financing provided by WST at an interest rate comparable to the interest
rate on WST's debt financing in compliance with tax requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement obliges the Management Board (or, where applicable, the Supervisory Board) to approve, accept, enter into, draw under or
maintain any financing to be made available by the Bidder in accordance with Section 12.3.4. Any decision in this respect shall remain within the discretion of the Management Board in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with its
Fiduciary Duties.

12.4 <u>Support by the Company</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.4.1 The Company agrees to provide, and to cause its Group Companies to provide and to use its best efforts to cause
its and its Group Companies' respective Representatives to provide, in each case to the extent (a) legally permitted, (b) available to it or which can reasonably be obtained and (c) provided that the Company has been given
reasonably sufficient advance notice of any such request, the financial statements, financial data, audit reports and other pertinent information in relation to the Company and its business as well as the Group and its business prepared in
accordance with the Group's current accounting practices as well as any information Bidder or WST need to enable the Bidder and WST to reconcile any such information statements, financial data or other pertinent information to US GAAP to
the extent reasonably requested by the Bidder or the Financing Parties in connection with the Bidder, WST group and WST obtaining, arranging, syndicating and marketing financing in connection with the Transaction or any refinancing of such
financing, including in preparation and use of offering documents for a private placement of debt securities

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under Rule 144A promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The financial information shall include, without limitation, audited consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, financial position changes in equity and cashflows and related notes thereto of the Company, for the two (2) fiscal years most recently ended at least 90 days prior to Closing and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity financial position and cashflows and related notes thereto of the Company, for the interim period, including each subsequent fiscal quarter and the most recent fiscal quarter (excluding the fourth fiscal quarter of any fiscal year), ended at least 45 days prior to Closing in each case with comparative financial information or the equivalent period of the prior year (which shall have been reviewed by the independent auditors of the Company) or such other period as agreed between the Parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.4.2 The Company agrees to provide, and to cause its Group Companies to provide and to use its best efforts to cause
its and its Group Companies' respective Representatives to provide, in each case to the extent (a) legally permitted, (b) available to it or which can reasonably be obtained and (c) provided that the Company has been given
reasonably sufficient advance notice of any such request, all cooperation required to the extent reasonably requested by Bidder or the Financing Parties in connection with obtaining, arranging, syndicating and marketing any debt or other financing
incurred in connection with the Transaction or any refinancing of such financing. Subject to the preceding sentence, such cooperation shall include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) providing assistance with the preparation of customary marketing materials, including customary information
memoranda and other syndication materials, any offering memorandum, registration statements and other similar documents reasonably and customarily required in connection with the acquisition financing, and delivering customary authorization letters
with respect to the presence or absence of material non-public information and the accuracy of the information contained therein, in each case, solely with respect to the Group Companies and their businesses,

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) furnishing to the Bidder and the Financing Parties drafts of customary comfort letters (which include negative
assurance and change period comfort) to be prepared by independent auditors of the Company that can be provided in final form on any expected pricing date and closing date during the relevant period in connection with any offering of debt securities
that constitutes all or a component of the financing of the Transaction or refinancing of such financing;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) participate (which shall be limited to teleconference or virtual meeting platforms) in a reasonable number of
lender and/or investor meetings, lender and/or investor presentations, due diligence sessions and rating agency meetings, in each case, upon reasonable advance notice, during normal business hours and at mutually agreed times;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) assist in obtaining corporate and facility credit ratings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) cause its independent auditors to provide customary assistance and cooperation reasonably requested by Bidder
and/or WST in connection with the offering of debt securities, including (A) providing reasonable assistance to Bidder and/or WST in connection with WST's/Bidder's preparation of pro forma financial statements and information,
(B) providing any reasonable and customary written consents reasonably requested by Bidder and/or WST to use auditor or other reports prepared by such independent auditors relating to the Company's or its subsidiaries' financial
statements in connection with the financing of the Transaction or its refinancing and to be named as an "Expert" in any document related to any such offering, and (C) participating in customary due diligence sessions on reasonable
advance notice during normal business hours and at mutually agreed times;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) provided that the Company has been given sufficient advance notice of any such request, delivering to the
Bidder at least ten (10) Business Days prior to Closing any documentation and other information with respect to the Group Companies reasonably requested by the Financing Parties or other providers of any financing under applicable "know-your-customer", "beneficial ownership" and anti-money laundering rules and regulations.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.4.3 The Company agrees, to the extent legally permitted, to the inclusion of its financial statements and other
financial information in any registration statement, prospectus or document incorporated by reference therein filed, submitted or otherwise furnished by the Bidder, WST and/or any other relevant WST group company to any governmental authority, or
any customary offering memorandum, registration statement or prospectus in connection with a securities offering, whether public or private, including information necessary for WST's preparation of pro forma financial statements after giving
effect to the Transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.4.4 The obligations pursuant to Sections 12.4.1 through 12.4.3 are subject to (i) customary liability
protections and (ii) auditor consent, in both cases lit. (i) and (ii), where applicable and required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.4.5 The Bidder and/or WST shall reimburse the Company for any documented reasonable out-of-pocket costs and travel expenses incurred as a result of any actions taken by the Company or a Group Company pursuant to this Section 12.4.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.4.6 For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Company nor any Group Company shall be required to take any action
which would contravene financial assistance or capital maintenance requirements under German law or other applicable law or otherwise be contrary to applicable law including Fiduciary Duties.

12.5 <u>Dividends</u>: Following Closing it is the Bidder's and WST's intention that any dividend policy
(*Dividendenpolitik*) and specific dividend distribution (*Ausschüttungen des Bilanzgewinns*) will duly consider the financial needs of the Company and the Group in light of the business strategy, and, in general, should not exceed
the minimum dividend pursuant to Section 254 AktG.

**13.** **Approval by Corporate Bodies** 

13.1 <u>Bidder Approval</u>: The Bidder hereby confirms that its managing directors and WST's board of
directors have each duly and validly authorized, approved and declared advisable, the conclusion and execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transaction. No further approval or permission (including from any of the Bidder's or
WST's shareholders) is required on the Bidder's part for concluding and executing this Agreement (save for the Clearances).

13.2 <u>Company Approval</u>: The Company hereby confirms that its competent corporate bodies have agreed to
concluding and executing this Agreement and that no further approval or permission is required on the Company's part for concluding and executing this Agreement (save for the Clearances).

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**14.** **General Cooperation Principles regarding Regulatory Approvals** 

14.1 <u>General Cooperation</u>: The Parties shall closely cooperate with each other in relation to the Clearances,
in the manner described hereafter.

14.2 <u>Filing for Approvals</u>: The Bidder and WST and, if applicable, the Company shall file for the Clearances
after the signing of this Agreement (and with respect to filings pursuant to the HSR Act, each of WST and the Company shall submit all such required filings no later than 15 Business Days after the signing of this Agreement), it being understood
that certain filings may be in draft rather than in final form where applicable and be followed by a final notification as soon as practicable thereafter. All filings in relation to the Clearances shall be made by the Bidder and/or WST on behalf of
all relevant parties (except with respect to the HSR Act or to the extent not permitted under applicable law or regulation), provided that a filing shall require the prior written approval of the Company where the Company is obligated to make a
filing (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The Bidder shall make the final determination as to the appropriate course of action and strategy with regard to obtaining all consents, approvals, or actions of any regulatory
authority, subject to good faith consultation with the Company where the Company is obligated to make a filing. All costs, expenses, filing fees, or other disbursements in connection with the Clearances shall be borne by the Bidder (excluding any
fees of lawyers or other advisors of any person or party other than the Bidder).

14.3 <u>Removal of Impediments</u>: The Bidder and WST shall use reasonable best efforts to resolve any competition
or regulatory concerns and to obtain the Clearances to enable the Bidder to consummate the Transaction no later than the Long Stop Date. If any Clearance will be granted only subject to commitments, obligations, or conditions, the Bidder and WST
shall offer, consent to, and comply with such commitments, obligations, or conditions as necessary to ensure that all Clearances are obtained, except where doing so would reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the business of either the
Bidder or WST group or the Company or the Group. No such adverse effect will be deemed to exist if the required remedy consists of (i) a divestiture, disposition, termination, or transfer of assets, contracts, product lines, services,
businesses, or rights that, in the aggregate, generated no more than 3% (in words: three per cent) of the aggregate of WST's and the Company's group consolidated revenue based on the respective most recently completed fiscal year prior
to signing of this Agreement, or (ii) a behavioral remedy reasonably expected to have economic and operational consequences similar to those described in clause (i), and the Bidder and WST shall offer and accept any such remedy. The Company and
its Affiliates shall not offer, negotiate, agree to,

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consent or effect any remedy without Bidder's prior consent. For the avoidance of doubt, the Bidder and WST shall not be required to offer, consent to, or comply with any remedy to the extent it would exceed the remedies described in the preceding sentence. If any Clearance is refused, the Bidder and/or WST shall contest such refusal upon request by the Company (including by way of litigation).

14.4 <u>Cooperation Duties</u>: In order to obtain the Clearances, the Parties shall cooperate, to the extent
legally permissible, in all respects with each other in the preparation of the filings and in connection with any submission, investigation, or inquiry, supply to any competent authority as promptly as practicable any additional information
requested pursuant to any applicable law or regulation, and take all other reasonable procedural actions (other than offering remedies to mitigate competition concerns by a relevant competition authority and/or accepting any limitations for the
business as set forth in Section 14.3) required in order to obtain any necessary clearance or to cause any applicable waiting periods to commence and expire.

14.5 <u>Exchange of Information</u>: Each Party shall promptly provide the relevant other Parties with all
reasonably required and relevant information concerning itself, its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, and shareholders, and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with any statement, filing,
notice, or application to be made by or on behalf of the Bidder and/or WST or the Company or any of their respective Affiliates to any person or any regulatory authority in connection with the Transaction, if necessary by way of communicating on a
confidential counsel-to-counsel basis.

14.6 <u>Mutual Notifications</u>: The Parties shall keep each other closely informed with respect to any regulatory
proceeding relating to the Transaction and promptly provide the relevant other Party with a copy (or written summary) of all notices or other material communications received or provided by the Bidder and/or WST or the Company, as the case may be,
from or to any regulatory authority relating to the Transaction, including any event that may endanger Closing.

14.7 <u>Confidentiality Obligations</u>: The obligations under this Section 14 shall be subject to applicable
laws, including laws relating to the sharing of information. The Parties acknowledge that the confidentiality provisions of Section 17.1 shall apply with regard to any information furnished under this Agreement.

**15.** **Effectiveness, Term and Termination** 

15.1 <u>Term</u>: The Agreement shall become effective upon signing of this Agreement and shall have a fixed term
ending two (2) years after Closing.

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15.2 <u>Grounds for Termination</u>: The Agreement may be terminated with immediate effect for all Parties by giving
notice thereof to the other Party,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.2.1 by any of the Parties if

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Takeover Offer ultimately lapses as result of non-satisfaction of
the Offer Conditions (unless such Offer Conditions have been effectively waived before that time), provided, however, that the terminating Party is not then in breach, in any material respect, of any of its covenants or obligations under this
Agreement relating to the relevant Offer Condition; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) a Competing Transaction has been settled;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.2.2 by the Company in the following events:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Offer Document has not been submitted to BaFin or published by the Bidder within the timeline agreed in
Section 3.1 above;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the terms of the Takeover Offer deviate from the terms agreed in this Agreement, save for immaterial
deviations; specifically if the Offer Price offered in the Takeover Offer is lower than the Offer Price agreed in Section 3.3 above or if the Takeover Offer contains conditions that are broader than the Offer Conditions specified in
Section 3.5 above;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the intentions of the Bidder or WST as published in the Offer Document with regard to the strategy of the
Bidder and WST differ from those set forth in this Agreement, save for immaterial differences;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) the offer document or comparable document in respect of a Superior Offer has been published by a third party
and the Bidder has not matched the offer price per Company Share of such offer at the latest two (2) Business Days from the date of the publication of such offer or comparable document; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) the Bidder or WST has breached any of their respective material obligations under this Agreement and such
breach has not been cured within seven (7) Business Days after the breach has been made known by the Company.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.2.3 by the Bidder and/or WST if

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Management Board and/or the Supervisory Board does not support the Takeover Offer in its Response Statement
in accordance with its obligations as set out in this Agreement; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the Company has breached any of its material obligations under this Agreement and such breach has not been
cured within seven (7) Business Days after the breach has been made known by the Bidder.

15.3 <u>Notification of Termination</u>: Notice of any termination must be given in writing and must be made within
ten (10) Business Days after the terminating Party having become aware of the event triggering the respective termination right. In the event of termination of this Agreement, this Agreement shall have no further effect, save for Sections 15
through 17 but without prejudice to the accrued rights of each Party upon termination, including the right of any Party to claim damages pursuant to applicable laws due to a breach by the other Party of its obligations under this Agreement.

15.4 <u>Termination for Cause</u>: The right to terminate this Agreement for cause (*aus wichtigem Grund*)
shall remain unaffected. Cause shall exist where the terminating Party, taking into account all circumstances of the specific case and weighing the interests of the Parties, cannot reasonably be expected (*unzumutbar*) to continue the
contractual relationship through the remainder of the agreed fixed term (Section 314 para. 1 sent. 1 German Civil Code (*Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch*)).

**16.** **Notices** 

Any and all notices and communications under this Agreement shall be made in writing in the English language and delivered by hand, courier, telefax, or email to the person at the address set forth below, or such other person or address as may be designated by the respective Party to the other Parties in the same manner:

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16.1 if to the Bidder:

Worthington Steel GmbH

Attn.: Joseph Y. Heuer

c/o Sitem Group

Graf-Zeppelin-Straße 29

72202 Nagold

GermanyEmail: [\*\*\*]

with a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice hereunder):

Latham & Watkins LLP

Attn: Dr. Rainer Traugott

Maximilianstrasse 13

80539 Munich

Email: [\*\*\*]

16.2 if to WST:

Worthington Steel, Inc.

Attn.: Joseph Y. Heuer

100 West Old Wilson Bridge Road

Columbus, Ohio 43085

USA

Email: [\*\*\*]

with a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice hereunder):

Latham & Watkins LLP

Attn: Dr. Rainer Traugott

Maximilianstrasse 13

80539 Munich

Email: [\*\*\*]

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16.3 if to the Company:

Klöckner & Co SE

Attn.: Moritz Fischer

Peter-Müller-Straße 24

40468 Dusseldorf

Germany

Email: [\*\*\*]

with a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice hereunder):

Hengeler Mueller Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB

Attn: Dr. Oda Christiane Goetzke

Benrather Straße 18-20

40213 Duesseldorf

Email: [\*\*\*]

**17.** **Miscellaneous** 

17.1 <u>Confidentiality</u> <u>,</u> <u>Termination of Standstill</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.1.1 The Company and the Bidder agree that the confidentiality agreement entered into between WST and the Company
dated 23 August 2024 as amended by addendum dated 14 / 15 October 2025 (the confidentiality agreement including the addendum herein "**Confidentiality Agreement**") is terminated in accordance with its terms. The Parties
agree that the standstill restrictions contained in Section 9 of the Confidentiality Agreement, shall cease to apply upon the signing of this Agreement *.*  

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.1.2 Except for the communication set forth in Section 2.1.2, Section 2.2 and Section 2.4 and Section 17.2 of this
Agreement and during a time of twelve (12) months following its term, the Parties shall (i) keep confidential and not disclose to any third party any trade and business secrets and other confidential information relating to another Party or its
Affiliates, created or obtained in connection with the Transaction, unless such information is or becomes publicly available (other than by breach of this Agreement or any other confidentiality agreement between the Parties or any of them), or is
independently developed ()"**Confidential Information**") and (ii) use Confidential Information solely for the purpose of fulfilling its obligations under this Agreement, including the strategic review pursuant to Section 9, provided
that Confidential Information relating to the Group's business or trade secrets shall have a term of two (2) years following the end of this Agreement.

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Project Shield \| Business Combination Agreement

Execution Version

15 January 2026

**STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.1.3 Excluded from the confidentiality obligation under Section 17.1.2 is any disclosure of Confidential
Information or publication which (i) is made with the prior written consent of the other Parties (consent by WST or the Bidder shall be deemed to constitute consent by both WST and the Bidder), (ii) is required by applicable law, the rules of a
securities exchange on which a Party or an Affiliate, or further direct or indirect shareholder of a Party is listed or by a binding order, instruction or demand of any governmental or other regulatory authority, order of court of competent
jurisdiction or is required for the purpose of any arbitral or judicial proceedings arising out of this Agreement or any other agreement entered into under or pursuant to this Agreement, or (iii) is made for the purpose of (A) exercising a
Party's rights or performing a Party's obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Takeover Offer or (B) as and to the extent required for customary reporting or group management purposes (in both cases (A) and
(B)) to an Affiliate or their respective Representatives or further direct or indirect shareholder, or a lender, an actual or potential investor, insurance provider or advisor to a Party or its Affiliate or further direct or indirect shareholder,
provided that any disclosure under (iii) shall be made on a confidential basis. The Parties shall notify each other in advance of any disclosure under (ii), to the extent legally permissible and reasonably practicable, and shall limit
disclosures to the content required by law or regulatory action.

17.2 <u>Press Releases</u>: Without prejudice to Section 2.2 above, no Party will issue a press release or any
other public statement with respect to the contents of this Agreement without the consent of the other Parties (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, (consent by WST or the Bidder shall be deemed to constitute consent by both WST and the
Bidder)), except as required by applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Party may make public statements regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in response to questions from the press, analysts, investors or those
attending industry conferences, and make internal announcements to employees, in each case, to the extent that such statements are not inconsistent with previous press releases, public disclosures or public statements aligned by the Parties or
approved by the Parties, and otherwise in compliance with this Agreement, and provided, that such public statements do not reveal material nonpublic information regarding this Agreement or the Transactions.

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Project Shield \| Business Combination Agreement

Execution Version

15 January 2026

**STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL** 

17.3 <u>Assignment</u>: Any rights under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the
other Parties. If, following Closing, the Bidder shall no longer own or control the Company pursuant to any restructuring, divestment, merger, transfer or otherwise, the Bidder shall procure (*steht daf ü r ein*) that the new
owner or controller of the Company shall enter into an agreement with the Company conferring on the Company the same rights as set out in Sections 6 through 10 and Section 12 above.

17.4 <u>No Third Party Rights</u>: This Agreement only grants rights to the Parties and does not constitute a
contract for the benefit of third parties (*Vertrag zugunsten Dritter*) or a contract with protective effect for third parties (*Vertrag mit Schutzwirkung zugunsten Dritter*), unless and to the extent provided otherwise in this Agreement
or in the Confidentiality Agreement.

17.5 <u>Costs</u>: Without prejudice to any other provisions of this Agreement, each Party shall bear its own fees
and expenses with regard to the Takeover Offer and the conclusion of this Agreement.

17.6 <u>Governing Law</u>: This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive
laws of Germany.

17.7 <u>Dispute Resolution</u>: Any dispute arising from or in connection with this Agreement or its validity and
its consummation shall be finally settled in accordance with the arbitration rules of the German Institution of Arbitration (*Deutsche Institution für Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit e.V.*) without recourse to the courts of law. The place of
arbitration is Dusseldorf, Germany. The number of arbitrators is three (3). The language of the arbitral proceedings is German, provided, however, that any English language documents to be submitted as evidence may be submitted in English. The
Parties expressly agree that the rules on multi-contract arbitration and multi-party arbitration (Articles 17 and 18 DIS Arbitration Rules) shall apply.

17.8 <u>Severability, Entire Agreement, Amendments and Waivers</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.8.1 Should any provision of this Agreement, or any provision incorporated into this Agreement in the future, be or
become invalid or unenforceable, the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. The invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed to be substituted by a suitable and equitable provision
which, to the extent legally permissible, comes as close as possible to the intent and purpose of the invalid or unenforceable provision. The same shall apply (i) if the Parties have, unintentionally, failed to address a certain matter in this

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Project Shield \| Business Combination Agreement

Execution Version

15 January 2026

**STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL** 

Agreement (*Regelungslücke*), in which case a suitable and equitable provision shall be deemed to have been agreed upon which comes as close as possible to what the Parties, in the light of the intent and purpose of this Agreement, would have agreed upon if they had considered the matter, or (ii) if any provision of this Agreement is invalid because of the scope of any time period or performance stipulated herein, in which case a legally permissible time period or performance shall be deemed to have been agreed which comes as close as possible to the stipulated time period or performance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.8.2 This Agreement (including all Exhibits hereto) contains all of the Parties' agreements and understandings
with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. No collateral agreements to this Agreement, whether verbally or in writing, have been entered into between the Parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.8.3 Any and all amendments to this Agreement or waivers must be made in writing, unless stricter requirements as to
their form are required by mandatory law. This shall also apply to any waiver of compliance with the provisions of this Section 17.8.3.

[*Signature pages to follow*]

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 15 January 2026 |  |
| **Klöckner & Co SE** |  |
| /s/ Guide Kerkhoff | /s/ Dr. Oliver Falk |
| By: Guide Kerkhoff<br> Function: Chief Executive Officer | By: Dr. Oliver Falk<br> Function: Chief Financial Officer |

---

[*Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement*]

------

---

| |
|:---|
| 15 January 2026 |
| **Worthington Steel GmbH** |
| /s/ Roman Dominik Brück |
| By: Roman Dominik Brück<br> Function: Managing Director |

---

[*Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement*]

------

---

| |
|:---|
| 15 January 2026 |
| **Worthington Steel, Inc.** |
| /s/ Timothy A. Adams |
| By: Timothy A. Adams <br>Function: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

[*Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement*]

## Exhibit 2.2

**Exhibit 2.2** 

*Execution Version*

![LOGO](g97867g0121113912556.jpg)

CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN OMITTED BY MEANS OF REDACTING A PORTION OF THE TEXT AND REPLACING IT WITH [\*\*\*] BECAUSE IT IS BOTH: (I) NOT MATERIAL AND (II) THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.

**Dated 15 January 2026** 

**Worthington Steel GmbH,** 

**and** 

**SWOCTEM GmbH** 

**IRREVOCABLE UNDERTAKING** 

------

**CONTENTS** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Clause** | **Clause** | **Page** |
| **1** | **DEFINITIONS** | **3** |
| **2** | **IRREVOCABLE UNDERTAKING** | **4** |
| **3** | **CONFIRMATIONS AND UNDERTAKINGS** | **6** |
| **4** | **SHAREHOLDER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES** | **6** |
| **5** | **BIDDER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES** | **7** |
| **6** | **TERMINATION RIGHTS PRIOR TO OFFER COMPLETION** | **7** |
| **7** | **STANDSTILL** | **8** |
| **8** | **CERTAIN COVENANTS AND UNDERTAKINGS** | **9** |
| **9** | **ANNOUNCEMENTS; CONFIDENTIALITY** | **9** |
| **10** | **GOVERNING LAW AND PLACE OF JURISDICTION** | **11** |
| **11** | **MISCELLANEOUS** | **11** |

---

[*Signature Page to Irrevocable Undertaking*]

------

This irrevocable undertaking (the "**Irrevocable**") is entered into on the date hereof (the "**Signing Date**") by and among

(1) **Worthington Steel GmbH**, a limited liability company (*Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung*),
incorporated under the laws of Germany, having its corporate seat in Stuttgart, Germany, and being registered with the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) of the Local Court (*Amtsgericht*) of Stuttgart under HRB 801625

(the "**Bidder**")

and

(2) **SWOCTEM GmbH**, a limited liability company (*Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung*)
incorporated under the laws of Germany, registered with the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) of the local court (*Amtsgericht*) of Wetzlar under HRB 3483

(the "**Shareholder**" and together with Bidder,

the "**Parties**" and each a "**Party**")

**RECITALS** 

(A) The Shareholder holds sole legal and beneficial title to in aggregate 41,428,687 registered shares with no-par value (*auf den Namen lautende nennwertlose St ü ckaktien*) (the "**Shareholder Shares**") in Knight SE, a European stock corporation having its registered seat in
Germany (*Societas Europaea, SE*), with registered office in Dusseldorf and registered with the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) of the local court (*Amtsgericht*) of Dusseldorf under HRB 109982 (the
" **Company**"  **** ** and together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries from time to time, hereinafter referred to as "**Group** "). The Company's share capital amounts to EUR 249,375,000 and is divided
into 99,750,000 registered shares with no-par value (all shares issued by the Company from time to time the "**Shares** "). The Shareholder Shares represent approximately 41.53 % of the
issued and outstanding share capital (*Grundkapital*) of the Company as of the date hereof.

(B) The Group serves as a manufacturer-independent distributor of steel and metal and serves customers through
steel service centres.

(C) The Bidder is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Worthington Steel, Inc., a corporation organized under the
laws of the State of Ohio, registered with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio under registration number 5007932, which shares are admitted to trading on the regulated markets in the United States of America (*New York Stock Exchange, NYSE*) ()"**WST** ").

(D) The Bidder is considering an investment in the Company (the "**Transaction** "). As part of the
Transaction, the Bidder intends to launch a voluntary public cash takeover offer (*Ü bernahmeangebot*) within the meaning of Sections 10, 14 para. 2 and 29 para. 1 Takeover Act to all shareholders of the Company for the acquisition
of their Shares in the Company (the "**Takeover Offer"**). The Takeover Offer will be subject to, *inter alia*, its acceptance by shareholders of the Company holding such a number of shares in the Company that, after completion
of the Takeover Offer, the Bidder holds at least 65% of the share capital in the Company.

------

(E) By entering into this Irrevocable, the Shareholder wishes to foster the success of the Takeover Offer.

Now, therefore, the Parties agree as follows:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1** | **Definitions**  |

---

**1.1** In this Irrevocable, the capitalized terms shall have the following meaning:

"**Action**" means any claim, charge, action, cause of action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, mediation, interference, audit, assessment, hearing or other legal proceeding (whether sounding in contract, tort or otherwise, whether civil or criminal and whether brought, conducted, tried or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any governmental authority).

"**Affiliate**" shall mean any person affiliated, at a given time, with another person within the meaning of Sections 15 et seq. Stock Corporation and shall have an equivalent meaning if the relevant person is subject to a foreign jurisdiction as well as any person, which Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, directly or through one or more intermediaries, another person as long as such Control exists, in each case irrespective of whether or not such person qualifies as an undertaking (*Unternehmen*), provided that with respect to the Shareholder, the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be Affiliates.

"**BaFin**" shall mean the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (*Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht, BaFin*).

"**Business Day**" shall mean any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banks in Frankfurt am Main, Germany and New York, United States of America are generally open for business.

"**Banking Day**" shall mean any day on which banks in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, are open for general business; for the purposes of this Irrevocable, the following days are U.S. Federal Reserve Holidays and are not considered Banking Days within the meaning of this Irrevocable: 16 February 2026, 25 May 2026, 19 June 2026, 3 July 2026, 7 September 2026, 12 October 2026, 11 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.

"**Civil Code**" shall mean German Civil Code (*Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB*).

"**Control**" shall mean (i) the record or beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly (through one or more intermediates), of equity securities entitling such person to exercise in the aggregate more than 50% of the voting rights in such person, or (ii) the possession of the power to, directly or indirectly, (A) elect a majority of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of such person, or (B) direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of or with respect to such person, whether through ownership of securities, contract or otherwise.

"**Offer Conditions**" shall mean the conditions for the consummation of the Offer as approved by BaFin and actually set out in the published Offer Document.

------

"**Restricted Country**" shall mean (i) any country or other territory that is the subject of country-wide or territory-wide Sanctions (as of the date of this Irrevocable North Korea, Cuba, Iran, the Crimea region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, the so-called Luhansk People's Republic) and (ii) Russia, Belarus, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Myanmar, Turkey, and the disputed territories of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia whereby (i) and (ii) are jurisdictions in which it is the general policy of WST not to conduct business, in view of the significant corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing, political, business, and operational risks that these jurisdictions present.

"**Sanctioned Person"** shall mean (i) any person (meaning any natural or legal person or entity or body) listed on any Sanctions-related list of designated persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any Member State of the European Union, or the United Kingdom, or (ii) any person that is directly or indirectly, 50% or more owned or controlled by, any such person or persons or acting for or on behalf of such person or persons each term within the meaning of the relevant Sanctions.

"**Sanctions**" shall mean economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (i) the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, (ii) the United Nations Security Council, (iii) the European Union or any Member State of the European Union, (iv) the United Kingdom or (v) other similar governmental authorities with regulatory authority over Group companies and their respective operations from time to time.

"**Stock Corporation Act**" shall mean the German Stock Corporation Act (*Aktiengesetz, AktG*).

"**Takeover Act**" shall mean the German Takeover Act (*Wertpapiererwerbs- und Übernahmegesetz, WpÜG*).

"**Trading Act**" shall mean the German Trading Act (*Wertpapierhandelsgesetz, WpHG*).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **2** | **Irrevocable Undertaking**  |

---

**2.1** **Undertaking to Accept** 

Subject to the terms of this Irrevocable, the Shareholder undertakes (i) to validly accept the Takeover Offer for all Shareholder Shares pursuant to, and in full compliance with the terms of, the Offer Document (as defined below) no later than within three (3) Business Days after commencement of the acceptance period within the meaning of Section 16 para. 1 sentence 1 Takeover Act for the Takeover Offer (the "**Acceptance Period**") and (ii) to provide to the Bidder evidence of its acceptance of the Takeover Offer without undue delay thereafter.

------

**2.2** **Conditions to the Irrevocable Undertaking** 

The undertaking of the Shareholder pursuant to Clause 2.1 shall be subject to the following conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2.1 The Bidder has published the document containing the Takeover Offer according to Section 11 Takeover Act
(the "**Offer Document**") by 28 February, 2026;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2.2 The consideration for the Shares payable to the shareholders tendering their Shares pursuant to the Offer
Document will be a cash consideration in the amount of EUR 11.00 (in words: eleven Euros) per Share (the "**Offer Consideration** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2.3 The Acceptance Period will not exceed five (5) weeks but be no less than twenty (20) U.S. business
days (to be determined as set forth in Rule 14d-1(g)3 and Rule 14e-1(a) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) save for an extension of the Acceptance
Period due to (i) an amendment of the Offer Document in accordance with Section 21 Takeover Act and/or (ii) an automatic prolongation pursuant to Section 16 para. 3 Takeover Act or Section 22 para. 2 Takeover Act.

**2.3** **No Sale or Transfer** 

For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties confirm that this Irrevocable does not constitute a sale and/or transfer agreement for the Shareholder Shares, which will exclusively be concluded by accepting the Takeover Offer in accordance with the terms of the Offer Document.

**2.4** **Right of Withdrawal** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4.1 Upon acceptance of the Takeover Offer the Shareholder shall be entitled to all rights under the Takeover Offer
provided that, subject to the following provisions in this Clause 2.4, the Shareholder hereby expressly waives any right of rescission that may exist under the Takeover Act or other legislation with regard to the agreements resulting from acceptance
of the Takeover Offer, including the relevant rights in the event of a change to the Takeover Offer pursuant to Section 21 Takeover Act or a competing offer within the meaning of Section 22 Takeover Act. Any rights to cancel, challenge or
otherwise declare void (*anfechten*) this Irrevocable, the acceptance of the Takeover Offer or the agreements resulting from acceptance of the Takeover Offer are hereby expressly excluded and waived (*verzichtet*) by the Shareholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4.2 Notwithstanding Clause 2.4.1, the Shareholder may exercise its right of recission in the event of a competing
offer within the meaning of Section 22 Takeover Act and accept such competing offer, provided that (i) the offer price per Share pursuant to the competing offer exceeds the Offer Consideration per Share (the "**Superior Offer**") and (ii) the Bidder does not increase its own offer to at least the offer price per Share of the Superior Offer within ten (10) Business Days following the publication of the offer document in respect of a Superior Offer.
In this case, the Shareholder may also terminate this Irrevocable with immediate effect following the expiration of the ten (10) Business Days period. The Shareholder shall, to the extent legally permissible, promptly inform the Bidder in
writing in the event that it is or becomes aware that another person can reasonably be expected to pursue or launch a competing offer within the meaning of Section 22 Takeover Act.

------

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **3** | **Confirmations and Undertakings**  |

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**3.1** **Shareholder's Confirmations** 

The Shareholder hereby confirms that

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1.1 it is not a Sanctioned Person and has no business relationship with a Sanctioned Person or has business
activities in a Restricted Country; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1.2 neither it nor any of its Affiliates has acquired or agreed to acquire Shares or other instruments in the
Company for a purchase price exceeding the Offer Consideration within a six (6) month period prior to the Signing Date.

**3.2** **General Undertaking** 

The Parties agree and each Party undertakes to the respective other Party to make all notifications required under applicable law, including any notification pursuant to the Trading Act and Stock Corporation Act, that are triggered by entering into this Irrevocable and/or accepting the Takeover Offer. As far as legally permissible, the Parties shall cooperate and support each other in good faith for the purposes of the consummation of the Transaction, in particular, the settlement of the Takeover Offer.

**3.3** **Annual general meeting 2026** 

The Shareholder shall timely and properly register itself for the participation in and the exercise of voting rights at the annual general meeting of the Company scheduled for 20 May 2026 ("**AGM 2026**").

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **4** | **Shareholder's Representations and Warranties**  |

---

The Shareholder hereby guarantees by way of an independent promise of guarantee (*selbständige Garantieversprechen*) within the meaning of Section 311 para. 1 Civil Code that the statements set forth below are correct as of the Signing Date and the date on which the Takeover Offer is settled by payment of the Offer Consideration against simultaneous transfer of the tendered Shares (the "**Offer Completion**"), unless stated otherwise below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Shareholder is a German limited liability company (*Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung*) duly
organized and validly existing under the laws of Germany.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) No bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings in any jurisdiction have been commenced or applied for with
respect to the Shareholder and the Shareholder is not over-indebted (*überschuldet*) or unable to pay its due debts (*zahlungsunfähig*) or for other reasons compelled to apply for the commencement of bankruptcy, insolvency or
similar proceedings under applicable law. To the knowledge of the Shareholder, as of the Signing Date, no bankruptcy, insolvency or similar filings have been threatened in writing with respect to the Shareholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The Shareholder has the legal capacity and all requisite power and authority to enter into this Irrevocable, to
perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transaction contemplated hereby.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) This Irrevocable constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Shareholder enforceable against it in
accordance with its terms.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) The Shareholder is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Shareholder Shares. The Shareholder Shares are
held by the Shareholder for its own risk and account and are not subject to any shareholders' voting, trust, pooling, consultation or similar agreements or arrangements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) The Shareholder Shares are fully paid in and free of any additional payment obligations
(*Nachschusspflichte* n). The Shareholder Shares are free of any encumbrances (*dingliche Belastungen*) and any rights of third parties and not subject to any options, pre-emption rights, rights of
first refusal or similar rights of third parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) No third party has any right whatsoever which could (in full or in part) prevent the Shareholder from accepting
the Takeover Offer pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Offer Document or otherwise from fully complying with its obligations under this Irrevocable.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **5** | **Bidder's Representations and Warranties**  |

---

The Bidder hereby guarantees by way of an independent promise of guarantee (*selbständige Garantieversprechen*) within the meaning of Section 311 para. 1 of the Civil Code that the statements set forth below are correct as of Signing Date and as of the Offer Completion:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Bidder is a limited liability company duly incorporated and existing under the laws of Germany.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) No bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings in any jurisdiction have been commenced or applied for with
respect to the Bidder and the Bidder is not over-indebted (*überschuldet*) or unable to pay its due debts (*zahlungsunfähig*) or for other reasons compelled to apply for the commencement of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
proceedings under applicable law. To the knowledge of the Bidder, as of the Signing Date, no bankruptcy, insolvency or similar filings have been threatened in writing with respect to the Bidder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The Bidder has the legal capacity and all requisite power and authority to enter into this Irrevocable, to
perform its obligations hereunder and to launch and complete the Takeover Offer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) This Irrevocable constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Bidder enforceable against it in accordance
with its terms.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **6** | **Termination Rights prior to Offer Completion**  |

---

**6.1** This Irrevocable may be terminated (*k ü ndigen*) only prior to Offer Completion
by written notice of termination without any further reminder or prior notice being required and within one (1) month after the termination right has arisen, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1.1 by the Shareholder if the Bidder has not published its intention to launch the Takeover Offer pursuant to
Section 10 para. 1 sentences 1 and 2, para. 3 Takeover Act within five (5) Business Days following the date hereof;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1.2 by the Shareholder or the Bidder if any competent governmental authority or court has prohibited Offer
Completion and such decision has become final and non-appealable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1.3 by the Shareholder if the Offer Completion has not occurred prior to or on the day which is twelve
(12) months and eight (8) Banking Days following the expiration of the Acceptance Period or such earlier date as included in the Offer Document upon the request by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (*Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht, BaFin*);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1.4 by the Shareholder or the Bidder if the Takeover Offer ultimately lapses as result of non-satisfaction of the Offer Conditions.

**6.2** Upon notice of termination in accordance with Clause 6.1, all rights and obligations of the Parties
hereunder shall terminate without any liability of any Party to the other Party, other than any liability for breaches of this Irrevocable prior to the termination. This Clause 6.2, Clauses 9.3 to 9.5 and Clause 10 shall survive any
termination of the Irrevocable pursuant to Clause 6.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **7** | **Standstill**  |

---

Without the prior written approval of the Bidder, for a period commencing on the date hereof and ending twelve (12) months after the announcement of the results for the Acceptance Period for the Takeover Offer pursuant to Section 23 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 2 Takeover Act, the Shareholder shall not and will ensure that its Affiliates will not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) directly or indirectly solicit, facilitate, encourage or support any competing offer or proposals concerning
the Transaction from a third party, provided that the Bidder hereby grants its irrevocable approval to the Shareholder to disclose to a potential competing bidder that the Shareholder is not prevented from accepting a competing offer with a
consideration ultimately exceeding the Offer Consideration and to accept such a competing offer in accordance with Clause 2.4.2;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) directly or indirectly (through financial instruments) acquire shares in the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) initiate a delisting offer (*Delisting-Erwerbsangebot*) within the meaning of Section 39 para. 2
Stock Exchange Act (*B ö rsengesetz, B ö rsG*) in conjunction with Section 10 para. 1 Takeover Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) take actions or other measures resulting in an attribution of voting rights attached to the Shareholder Shares
to a third party within the meaning of section 30 Takeover Act in a way requiring such third party to launch a mandatory offer (*Pflichtangebot*) pursuant to Section 35 para. 1 Takeover Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) make or participate in any solicitation of proxy advisors or comparable institutions to vote or seek to advise
or influence the vote of any holder of shares in the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) announce any unsolicited proposal with a view to the Transaction; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) negotiate or enter into agreements or arrangements with other persons in respect of any of the above actions
referred to in Clause (i) through (vi).

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **8** | **Certain Covenants and Undertakings**  |

---

**8.1** **Preservation of Value** 

The Shareholder undertakes to exercise all voting rights attaching to the Shareholder Shares legally available to it to ensure that the Company and each Group company will refrain from implementing the measures set forth in **<u>Annex</u> <u>8.1</u>** to the extent such measures are the subject of a shareholders' vote (unless the Bidder has granted its prior written consent) from the date of this Irrevocable until the earlier of (i) the termination of this Irrevocable and (ii) the Offer Completion.

**8.2** **No Acting in Concert** 

The Shareholder's obligations with respect to the measures set forth in Clause 8.1 (including **<u>Annex</u> <u>8.1</u>**) of this Irrevocable shall

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2.1 only apply as from the Bidder's announcement of its intention to launch the Takeover Offer, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2.2 only relate to the exercise of voting rights in the first general meeting of the Company after the date hereof.

Otherwise, the Shareholder may exercise the voting rights appertaining to the Shareholder Shares held by it in its free and sole discretion.

For the avoidance of doubt: There will be no acting in concert within the meaning of Section 30 para. 2 Takeover Act between WST and the Bidder, on the one hand, and the Shareholder, on the other hand, and the Bidder shall not have the possibility of influencing (expressly or implicitly) the exercise of the voting rights by the Shareholder.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **9** | **Announcements; Confidentiality**  |

---

**9.1** No press or other public announcement in connection with the existence or the subject matter of this
Irrevocable shall be made or issued by or on behalf of any of the Parties or any of their Affiliates without the prior written approval of the Bidder and the Shareholder or as otherwise expressly set out in this Irrevocable. This shall not affect
any announcement required by law or any regulatory body or the rules of any recognized stock exchange on which the shares or instruments of a Party or any of their Affiliates are listed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Party may make public
statements regarding the transaction contemplated by this Irrevocable in response to questions from the press, analysts, investors or those attending industry conferences, and make internal announcements to employees, in each case, to the extent
that such statements are not inconsistent with previous press releases, public disclosures or public statements aligned by the Parties or approved by the Parties, and otherwise in compliance with this Irrevocable, and provided, that such public
statements do not reveal material nonpublic information regarding this Irrevocable or the Transactions.

**9.2** The Shareholder acknowledges and agrees that the Bidder may disclose the Irrevocable in whole or in part
in the Offer Document, as part of its or its Affiliates filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and that Confidential Information (as defined below) may be set out in the Offer Document and/or the (joint) reasoned statement to be
issued by the management board and supervisory board of the Company pursuant to Section 27 Takeover Act, including the terms of this Irrevocable. The Bidder acknowledges and agrees that the Shareholder may make the disclosures referred to in
Section 7(i) above.

------

**9.3** Subject to Clauses 9.4 and 9.5, each Party shall treat strictly confidential all information received or
obtained as a result of entering into this Irrevocable which relates to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.3.1 any document referred to in or entered into pursuant to this Irrevocable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.3.2 the negotiations relating to this Irrevocable and all documents referred to in this Irrevocable or entered into
pursuant to this Irrevocable; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.3.3 the respective other Party/Parties (or its/their Affiliates)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (9.3.1 | through 9.3.3 collectively the "**Confidential Information**").  |

---

**9.4** Each Party may disclose Confidential Information to the following persons (the
" **Representatives** "):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.4.1 to any of its Affiliates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.4.2 to any provider of equity or debt finance to that Party; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.4.3 to the directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, contractors, financiers (including debt financing
providers) and advisers (including, but not limited to, attorneys, auditors, administrators, investment advisers, investment managers and independent valuers) or insurance providers/broker of it or any person in 9.4.1 and 9.4.2 above,

if and to the extent reasonably required for the purposes of exercising its rights or performing its obligations under this Irrevocable or in connection with the Takeover Offer or monitoring, reporting and making decisions regarding an investment in the Company in accordance with its ordinary monitoring, reporting or decision-making (as applicable) procedures and/or requirements, and only where such Representatives are informed of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information and the provisions of this Clause 9 and instructed to comply with this Clause 9 as if they were a party to it.

**9.5** Clause 9.3 does not apply to the disclosure of Confidential Information:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.5.1 to the extent that it is generally available to the public other than as a result of a breach of any duty of
confidentiality by any Party;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.5.2 to the extent that it is required to be disclosed by applicable law, rule of listing authority or a stock
exchange or governmental authority with relevant powers to which the respective Party or its Affiliates is subject to or submits to, whether or not the requirement or request (as applicable) has the force of law, provided that the disclosure shall
so far as is practicable and lawful be made after consultation with the respective other Parties regarding the content, timing and manner of that disclosure unless the wording of any such disclosure is substantially the same as any previous
disclosure made in consultation with each other and, in any event, discloses only the minimum amount necessary in order to satisfy such requirement; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.5.3 the publication of the press release agreed between the Parties in writing.

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **10** | **Governing Law and Place of Jurisdiction**  |

---

**10.1** This Irrevocable is subject to the substantive laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and shall be
interpreted exclusively according to German law and German language. The provisions of the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods (CISG) do not apply.

**10.2** All disputes arising out of or in connection with this Irrevocable or its validity shall be finally
settled in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the German Arbitration Institute (DIS) without recourse to the ordinary courts of law. The arbitral tribunal shall be comprised of three (3) members. The seat of the arbitration is Dusseldorf,
Germany. The language of the arbitration shall be English, provided, however, that written evidence may be submitted in either the English or German language.

**10.3** The Parties expressly agree that the rules on multi-contract arbitration and multi-party arbitration
(Articles 17 and 18 DIS Arbitration Rules) shall apply.

**10.4** To the extent that mandatory law provides that a dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in
connection with this Irrevocable is to be submitted to and decided by an ordinary court of law, the courts of Dusseldorf, Germany, shall have jurisdiction (which shall be exclusive to the extent legally permissible).

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **11** | **Miscellaneous**  |

---

**11.1** Unless provided otherwise in this Irrevocable, all notices, requests and other communications under or
in connection with this Irrevocable shall be made in writing in the English language and delivered by hand, courier, mail, telecopy or pdf-copy by e-mail to the person
at the addresses set forth below, or such other person or address as may be designated by the respective Party in writing from time to time, provided that (i) a notice, request or other communication via e-mail shall suffice in case such communication is to be made "in writing" or in "written" form as per this Irrevocable, (ii) receipt of a copy of a notice, request or other
communication by a Party's advisors shall not constitute or substitute receipt thereof by the respective Party itself, and (iii) any notice, request or other communication shall be deemed received by a Party regardless of whether a copy
thereof was sent to or received by an advisor of such Party, regardless of whether the delivery of such copy was mandated by this Irrevocable:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.1.1 if to the Bidder:

Worthington Steel GmbH

c/o Sitem Group

Graf-Zeppelin-Straße 29

72202 Nagold

Germany

Attn.: Joseph Y. Heuer

email: [\*\*\*]

------

with copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice hereunder):

Latham & Watkins LLP

Maximilianstrasse 13

80539 Munich

Germany

Attn: Dr. Rainer Traugott

email: [\*\*\*]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.1.2 if to the Shareholder:

SWOCTEM GmbH

Rudolph-Loh-Strasse 1

35708 Haiger

Germany

Attn.: Professor Dr.-Ing. E. h. Friedhelm Loh

email: [\*\*\*]

with copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice hereunder):

Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP

Grosse Gallusstrasse 14

60315 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Attn.: Dr. Thomas König and Dr. Michael Weiß

email: [\*\*\*]; [\*\*\*]

**11.2** This Irrevocable may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

**11.3** This Irrevocable, including the Annexes and Schedules, sets out the entire agreement between the Parties
relating to the subject-matter hereof and shall supersede and replace any prior negotiations, understandings and discussions, oral or written, relating to or in connection with the subject-matter hereof.

**11.4** Amendments and supplements to this Irrevocable as well as the waiver of any rights under this
Irrevocable shall only be valid if made in writing, or, if required by law, in due notarial form. This also applies to any amendment to, or cancellation of, this written form clause.

**11.5** Each Party shall pay its own internal expenses and the costs of its advisers incurred in connection with
this Irrevocable and the Takeover Offer.

**11.6** No Party shall assign, delegate, subcontract or otherwise transfer, including the entry into of any
arrangement whereby another person is to perform, any of its rights or obligations under this Irrevocable without the prior written consent of the other Parties. Any such purported transfer in violation of this Clause 11.6 shall be null and
void. The Bidder may assign its rights and claims under this Irrevocable to the providers of (debt or equity) financing for the Transaction and the Takeover Offer.

------

**11.7** This Irrevocable does not confer any rights or remedies upon any person or entity other than the
Parties, and is not intended to operate for, the benefit of any third parties (*kein echter Vertrag zugunsten Dritter*).

**11.8** No Party shall be entitled to (i) set-off (*aufrechnen*) any rights and claims it may have against the other Party or an Affiliate of the other Party against any rights or claims it or its Affiliates may have under or in connection with this Irrevocable, or (ii) refuse to perform
any obligation it may have under or in connection with this Irrevocable on the grounds that it has a right of retention (*Zurückbehaltungsrecht*), unless the underlying rights or claims to be set-off or the right of retention have been acknowledge (*anerkannt*) in writing by the other Party or have been confirmed by final decision (*rechtskräftig festgestellt*) of a competent court (*Gericht*) or arbitral tribunal
(*Schiedsgericht*).

**11.9** If one or several provisions of this Irrevocable should be or become invalid or unenforceable, the
remaining provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby. In lieu of the invalid or unenforceable provision such valid and enforceable provision shall apply which corresponds as closely as possible to the commercial intention of the Parties. The
foregoing shall also apply to matters to which this Irrevocable is silent (*Vertragslücken*).

**11.10** **Interpretation** 

In this Irrevocable (including all Annexes and Schedules), unless the context otherwise requires:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.10.1 Wherever this Irrevocable includes English terms after which either in the same provision or elsewhere in this
Irrevocable German terms have been inserted in brackets and/or italics, the respective German terms alone and not the English terms shall be authoritative for the interpretation of the respective provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.10.2 Any reference to a particular Law shall be construed also as a reference to all other Laws made under the Law
referred to and to all such Laws as amended, re-enacted, consolidated or replaced or as their application or interpretation is affected by other Laws from time to time and whether before or after the date of
this Irrevocable provided that, as between the Parties, no such amendment or modification shall apply for the purposes of this Irrevocable to the extent that it would impose any new or extended obligation, liability or restriction on, or otherwise
adversely affect the rights of, any Party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.10.3 Whenever the words "include", "includes" or "including" or "in
particular" or similar expressions are used in this Irrevocable, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation". Whenever the words "hereof", "herein", "hereunder",
"hereto" or similar expressions are used in this Irrevocable, they refer to this Irrevocable as a whole and not to a specific Clause of this Irrevocable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.10.4 If a word or phrase is defined, other grammatical forms of that word shall have a corresponding meaning.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.10.5 The headings in this Irrevocable are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation or
construction of this Irrevocable.

(*signature page to follow*)

------

---

| |
|:---|
| 15 January 2026 |
| **Worthington Steel GmbH** |
| /s/ Roman Dominik Brück |
| Name: Roman Dominik Brück |
| Title: Managing Director |

---

[*Signature Page to Irrevocable Undertaking*]

------

---

| |
|:---|
| 15 January 2026 |
| **SWOCTEM GmbH** |
| /s/ Friedhelm Loh |
| Name: Friedhelm Loh |
| Title: Managing Director |

---

[*Signature Page to Irrevocable Undertaking*]

------

**ANNEX 8.1** 

**PRESERVATION OF VALUE** 

1. Convening an extraordinary shareholders' meeting of the Company, including pursuant to Section 16
para. 3 Takeover Act, unless such shareholders' meeting is to be convened upon a request of the shareholders of the Company pursuant to Section 122 para. 1 Stock Corporation Act or required by law;

2. Proposing to the Company's shareholders to vote for a capital increase (including a capital increase from
capital reserves (*Kapitalerhöhung aus Gesellschaftsmitteln*)), any issuance of securities convertible into shares in the Company or any other equity or equity-linked transaction with respect to shares in the Company, a share split, a
consolidation of shares or a change of the rights attached to the Company's shares or its composition or any amendments to the articles of association of the Company;

3. Issuing any new shares in the Company or any other securities convertible into shares in the Company or carry
out any other equity or equity-linked transaction with respect to shares in the Company (including under the Company's authorized or conditional capital);

4. Any acquisition, reduction, or redemption of Shares, or proposal to pay any dividend (other than by any Group
company to another Group company), except for the proposal to pay a dividend of EUR 0.20 per Share to be proposed by the management board and the supervisory board of the Company at the AGM 2026;

5. Purchasing or acquiring any shares, any participation or any assets in any business or business organization or
conducting any other merger or consolidation, change of legal form or other transformation measure with a value of more than EUR 20 million in the aggregate;

6. Initiating agreements providing for capital expenditures by the Group exceeding EUR 20 million in the
individual case or EUR 40 million per annum;

7. Selling, transferring, otherwise disposing of, or encumbering any shares or any participation in or portion of
the assets of any member of the Group with a value of more than EUR 20 million in the aggregate:

8. Concluding any enterprise agreements (*Unternehmensvertrag*) within the meaning of Section 291, 292
Stock Corporation Act with the Company as controlled company or which materially changes the tax position of the Group;

9. Implementing material changes to the key provisions of the current services agreements of the members of the
management board of the Company, including material amendments to the existing remuneration scheme;

10. Concluding, incurring, assuming, guaranteeing or taking out new credit facilities or new third-party debt
financing arrangements or issuance of new debt instruments exceeding EUR 50 million in the aggregate, other than (a) relating to hedging arrangements or (b) intra-group guarantees, in each case (a) and (b) in the ordinary course
of business;

11. Dissolving or liquidating of any Group company, other than non-operative and/or dormant Group companies, other than within the ordinary course of business;

------

12. Settling, releasing, waiving or compromising any Action or other claim (or threatened Action) against the
Company or any Group company, other than any settlement, release, waiver or compromise that (A) results solely in monetary obligations involving only the payment of monies by the Company or the Group companies of not more than EUR 1,000,000 per
Action and EUR 5,000,000 in the aggregate, net of any amounts paid by insurers and (B) does not result in any material non-monetary obligation of or restrictions on the Company or any Group company or the
admission of fault, wrongdoing or violation of any law by the Company or any Group company; or

13. entering into any agreement to take, or commit to take, any of the foregoing actions.

\*\*\*

## Exhibit 2.3

**Exhibit 2.3** 

**Equity Commitment Letter** 

**(the "ECL")** 

**From:** 

**Worthington Steel, Inc.** a corporation, incorporated and existing under the laws of Ohio, USA, with its registered business address at 100 Old Wilson Bridge Road, 43085, Columbus, Ohio, USA and registered with the Secretary of State of Ohio, USA under number 5007932

(herein the "**Sponsor**")

**To:** 

**Worthington Steel GmbH** a limited liability company (*Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung*), incorporated under the laws of Germany, with its registered seat in Stuttgart, and registered with the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) of the local court (*Amtsgericht*) of Stuttgart under registration number HRB 801625

(herein "**BidCo**"

the Sponsor and BidCo, individually, a "**Party**"

and collectively "**Parties**")

with a copy to:

**Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company**, Zweigniederlassung Frankfurt am Main

(herein the "**Bank**")

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Re:** | **Equity Commitment**  |

---

Dear Sirs or Madams,

The undersigned Sponsor is the sole shareholder of The Worthington Steel Company, a corporation, incorporated and existing under the laws of Ohio, USA, with its registered business address at 100 Old Wilson Bridge Road, 43085, Columbus, Ohio, USA and registered with the Secretary of State of Ohio, USA under number CP5614, which in turn is the sole shareholder of BidCo. Sponsor hereby makes reference to the contemplated investment by BidCo into Klöckner & Co SE, a European Stock Corporation (*Societas Europaea*) with its seat in Dusseldorf, Germany, registered with the commercial register (*Handelsregister*) of the local court (*Amtsgericht*) of Dusseldorf under HRB 109982 (the "**Target**") (the "**Transaction**"), including by way of a voluntary public takeover offer of BidCo addressed to all shareholders of the Target (the "**Takeover Offer**"). The Bank has been engaged to confirm that BidCo has sufficient resources to satisfy its payment obligations under the Takeover Offer by way of a cash confirmation pursuant to section 13 para. 1 sentence 2 of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act.

**1.** **EQUITY COMMITMENT** 

1.1 The Sponsor hereby commits, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this ECL, to contribute to, or
cause to be contributed to, BidCo by way of one or more direct or indirect contributions in the form of ordinary equity, preferred equity, other equity or equity-like securities or interests or shareholder loans or other debt instruments in
immediately-available Euro-denominated funds (each a "**Contribution** "), up to EUR 1,632,000,000 (the "**Equity Commitment**") to enable BidCo to fulfil BidCo's obligation to

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) pay the offer consideration and related transaction costs under the Takeover Offer (including any sell-out obligation) (the "**Offer Obligations** ");

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) pay the purchase price for Target shares acquired via market purchases, private purchases or otherwise outside
of the Takeover Offer (the "**Parallel Purchase Obligation** "), and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) make available to the Target a certain amount for the refinancing of existing debt as specified in the business
combination agreement between the Sponsor, BidCo and the Target dated on or around the date hereof (the "**Refinancing Obligations**" and together with Offer Obligations and the Parallel Purchase Obligation, the "**Payment Obligations"**)

when due to the extent required and provided that through (b) the Equity Commitment shall never be reduced below the amount required under (a) and (c). The Equity Commitment with respect to the Offer Obligations shall be received by BidCo at least two (2) bank working days prior to the date required in connection with the settlement for shares in the Target tendered into the Takeover Offer (such day, the "**Settlement Date**") and with respect to the Parallel Purchase Obligation and the Refinancing Obligations in reasonable advance to the relevant funding date.

1.2 The Sponsor undertakes that it will:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) not extract or withdraw its Equity Commitment or cause its Equity Commitment to be repaid or redeemed; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) procure, so far as lawfully possible, that BidCo will, and BidCo agrees to, use the Equity Commitment to the
extent necessary to satisfy the Payment Obligations as and when required and for no other purpose,

provided, however, that the aggregate amount to be funded under this ECL will be reduced on a euro-for-euro basis in the event BidCo does not require all of the commitment contemplated by the Equity Commitment to satisfy its payment obligations (i) under the Takeover Offer at the Settlement Date and any related transaction costs in relation to the Takeover Offer, (ii) for shares acquired via market purchases, private purchases or otherwise outside of the Takeover Offer, or (iii) with respect to the Refinancing Obligations.

1.3 Neither under this paragraph 1 nor otherwise under this ECL shall the Sponsor in the aggregate be liable for,
or obligated to pay, directly or indirectly, whether by way of damages for breach, pursuant to the Sponsor's Equity Commitment or otherwise, an (aggregate) amount exceeding the Sponsor's Equity Commitment.

**2.** **CONDITION PRECEDENT** 

The obligation of the Sponsor to fund or cause the funding of its Equity Commitments as provided in Section 1.1(a) and Section 1.1(c) of this ECL is subject to all completion conditions as set out in the offer document relating to the Takeover Offer ("**Offer Document**") being and remaining duly satisfied or validly waived.

**3.** **TERMINATION** 

3.1 This ECL shall remain valid until the earlier of

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) ten (10) business days after the final settlement of both the Takeover Offer and of any share transfer
under any sell-out right to the Takeover Offer pursuant to Section 39c of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (*Wertpapiererwerbs- und Übernahmegesetz*), if applicable, or

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) lapse of the Takeover Offer (i.e. the completion conditions set out in the Offer Document not having been
satisfied or waived by the Long Stop Date as provided for in the Offer Document) (the "**Expiry Date** ").

Following the Expiry Date, none of the Parties shall have any liability hereunder save for such liability arising from a breach hereof occurring prior to or on the Expiry Date, which liability shall survive after termination of the ECL.

3.2 Notwithstanding Section 3.1 and contingent upon a final settlement of the Takeover Offer, this ECL shall
remain valid with respect to the Refinancing Obligations until the time specified in Section 12.3.4 sentence 2 of the business combination agreement between the Sponsor, Bidco and the Target, if applicable.

**4.** **SPONSOR REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES** 

The Sponsor represents and warrants in the form of an independent guarantee irrespective of fault (*selbständiges Garantieversprechen*) to BidCo, also for the benefit of the Bank as contract for the benefit of a third party (*echter Vertrag zugunsten Dritter*), as at the date of this ECL that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) it has the necessary power and authority required to enter into this ECL and to perform its obligations under
this ECL in accordance with its terms;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) it is duly formed, registered or organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
formation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) it is solvent and there are no current pending or, to the best of its knowledge, threatened bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership or liquidation proceedings against it;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) it has obtained all corporate authorisations and all governmental, statutory, regulatory or other consents,
licenses or authorizations required to empower it to enter into and perform its obligations under this ECL, where failure to obtain them would affect its ability to enter into and perform its obligations under this ECL;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) it has received all necessary internal approvals in relation to its obligations contained in this ECL;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) sufficient funds and/or funding commitments are available to it, in aggregate amount to not less than the
Equity Commitment under this ECL;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) there are no existing liabilities on it which impede, or may reasonably be expected to impede, its ability to
perform its obligations under this ECL in accordance with its terms; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) it has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances that may reasonably result in the funds and/or funding
commitments it has available to it be unable to be used to satisfy the Equity Commitment.

------

**5.** **NO RECOURSE** 

5.1 No recourse under this ECL or under any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this ECL shall be
had and no claims shall be brought against, and no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by, (i) any current, former or future director, officer, employee, attorney or agent of the Sponsor or
(ii) any current, former or future member, controlling person or direct or indirect shareholder or equityholder of the Sponsor or any financial institution or other person which provides or is committed to provide financing in connection with
the Transaction or (iii) any current, former or future director, officer, employee, agent, member, affiliate (other than the Sponsor and their affiliates which have assumed Equity Commitments in accordance with this ECL (if any)) or assignee of
any such member, controlling person or direct or indirect shareholder or equityholder or any financial institution or other person which provides or is committed to provide financing in connection with the Transaction each of the foregoing a
" **Non-Liable Person** "), whether by the enforcement of any judgment or assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other applicable law or
otherwise, for any obligations of the Sponsor under this ECL or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this ECL or for any claim relating to, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation, and BidCo shall
institute, and shall cause its affiliates not to institute, any proceedings or bring any other claim arising under, or in connection with this ECL, or in respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith, against
any Non-Liable Person; provided that this shall not in any way affect the liability of the Sponsor under this ECL in accordance with its terms.

5.2 BidCo accepts and acknowledges that the only rights of recovery that BidCo has against the Sponsor under this
ECL are claims against the Sponsor to the extent expressly provided in this ECL and subject to the terms of this ECL and that recourse against the Sponsor under and pursuant to the terms of this ECL shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of BidCo
against: (i) the Sponsor in respect of any liabilities or obligations arising under, or in connection with, this ECL or the Transaction, and against (ii) any Non-Liable Persons under, or in
connection with, this ECL.

5.3 Nothing in this Section 5 shall be deemed in any way to (i) limit or restrict the Sponsor from
exercising any rights they may have against any Non-Liable Persons in connection with the satisfaction of any amounts payable hereunder or (ii) limit or exclude claims against any Non-Liable Persons based on fraud or wilful misconduct of such Non-Liable Persons which cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.

**6.** **ASSIGNMENT; THIRD PARTY RIGHTS** 

6.1 Neither this ECL nor any of the rights and benefits hereunder shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by any
Party without the prior written consent of the other Parties.

6.2 This ECL and the Equity Commitment is entered into also for the benefit of the Bank as a third party
beneficiary (*echter Vertrag zugunsten Dritter*) subject to the following provision. Nothing in this ECL, express or implied, is intended to confer on any person, other than the Parties and the Bank and their respective successors, any rights
or remedies under or by reason of this ECL. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Bank as third-party beneficiary may request the Sponsor to fulfil its obligation to fund BidCo in the amount of the Equity Commitment as and when required on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this ECL and the Bank may seek specific performance against the Sponsor in this respect by requesting the Sponsor to provide funding to the Sponsor.

**7.** **GOVERNING LAW** 

This ECL and all matters arising out of or relating in any way whatsoever (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) to this ECL shall be governed by and construed in accordance with German law and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

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**8.** **MISCELLANEOUS** 

This ECL constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, between them in respect thereof, and may only be amended or terminated by an instrument in writing duly executed by all Parties unless a stricter form is required by applicable law.

*[Signature pages to follow]* 

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| |
|:---|
| 15 January 2026 |
| **Worthington Steel, Inc** |
| /s/ Timothy A. Adams |
| Name: Timothy A. Adams |
| Position: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

[*Signature Page to Equity Commitment Letter*]

------

15 January 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| **Worthington Steel GmbH** |
| /s/ Roman Dominik Brück |
| Name: Roman Dominik Brück |
| Position: Managing Director |

---

[*Signature Page to Equity Commitment Letter*]

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1** 

***Execution Version***

**<u>SECOND AMENDMENT TO REVOLVING CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT</u>**

This Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (this "<u>Amendment</u>") is made as of January 15, 2026, by and among WORTHINGTON STEEL, INC., an Ohio corporation ("<u>Worthington Steel</u>" or "<u>Borrower</u>"), WORTHINGTON WSP, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company ("<u>WSP</u>"), TEMPEL STEEL COMPANY, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company ("<u>Tempel</u>"), T DO B, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company ("<u>T DO B</u>"), TEMPEL CANADA COMPANY, a Nova Scotia company ("<u>Tempel Canada</u>"), TEMPEL DE MEXICO, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., a Mexican Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada de Capital Variable ("<u>Tempel Mexico</u>"), WORTHINGTON STEEL ROME, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company ("<u>Rome</u>"), THE WORTHINGTON STEEL COMPANY, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company ("<u>Worthington Company</u>"), THE WORTHINGTON STEEL COMPANY, an Ohio corporation ("<u>Steel Company</u>"), WORTHINGTON TAYLOR, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company ("<u>Taylor</u>"), CLEVELAND PICKLING, INC., a Delaware corporation ("<u>Cleveland</u>"), WS MEXICO HOLDINGS, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company ("<u>Mexico Holdings</u>"), WORTHINGTON STEEL SERVICES, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company ("<u>Steel Services</u>"), WORTHINGTON STEEL HQ, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company ("<u>Worthington HQ</u>", and together with Worthington Steel, WSP, Tempel, T DO B, Tempel Canada, Tempel Mexico, Rome, Worthington Company, Steel Company, Taylor, Cleveland, Mexico Holdings and Steel Services, together with such other Persons as may hereafter become a Borrower thereunder and such other Persons as may hereafter become a Guarantor thereunder, collectively, the "<u>Loan Parties</u>" and each an individual "<u>Loan Party</u>"), the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement (as defined below)) signatory hereto (together with the other Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and any other financial institutions as may hereafter become a lender thereunder, collectively, the "<u>Lenders</u>" and each an individual "<u>Lender</u>"), and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("<u>PNC</u>"), as a Lender and agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, "<u>Agent</u>").

**BACKGROUND** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. On November 30, 2023, the Loan Parties, the Lenders, and Agent entered into, <u>inter alia</u>, that certain Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified, renewed, extended, replaced or substituted from time to time prior to the date hereof, the "<u>Credit Agreement</u>"). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement as amended hereby. In the case of a direct conflict between the provisions of the Credit Agreement and the provisions of this Amendment, the provisions hereof shall prevail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Loan Parties have requested, and the Required Lenders and Agent have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of this Amendment, to amend certain terms and provisions contained in the Credit Agreement, in each case, as set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, with the foregoing background hereinafter deemed incorporated by reference herein and made part hereof, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, promise and agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>Amendments to Credit Agreement</u>. Upon the Second Amendment Effective Date, the Credit Agreement is amended as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The definition of "Eligible Equipment Option Exercise" contained in Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended by adding the following sentence at the end thereof:

"The Eligible Equipment Option Exercise shall not be available on or after the German Acquisition Debt Financing Date."

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The definition of "Excluded Subsidiary" contained in Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended by (i) renumbering clause (f) therein to become clause (h) and (ii) adding the following new clauses (f) and (g) after clause (e):

"(f) is a Subsidiary of Worthington Germany, (g) is a Special Purpose Finance Subsidiary,"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The definition of "Permitted Indebtedness" contained in Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended by deleting subsections (s)(i), (ii) and (iii) thereof and replacing them with the following:

"(i) the collateral for such Indebtedness shall consist solely of second (2nd) priority Liens against Collateral (as defined in this Agreement on the Closing Date) and first (1st) priority Liens against other assets not constituting Collateral (as defined in this Agreement on the Closing Date) (such other assets, "<u>Term Priority Collateral</u>"; and together with the Collateral, "<u>Term Loan Collateral</u>"), in each case subject to Permitted Encumbrances and as more fully set forth in the terms and provisions of a customary intercreditor agreement or arrangement acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Agent shall have been granted a second priority Lien (subject to Permitted Encumbrances) in such Term Priority Collateral (excluding any Real Property), for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations pursuant to an amendment to this Agreement and the Other Documents in form and substance satisfactory to Agent (it being acknowledged, agreed and understood by all parties hereto, that Agent shall be authorized to file any and all UCC-3 financing statement amendments or PPSA financing change statements Agent deems reasonably necessary from time to time to reflect the Term Priority Collateral);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) if Agent has been granted a lien on Term Priority Collateral in accordance with clause (ii) above, Agent shall have received all supplemental opinions of counsel (including local counsel, if applicable), in form and substance acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion, as Agent deems necessary in its Permitted Discretion with respect to the Term Priority Collateral;"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The definition of "Permitted Indebtedness" contained in Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended by (i) deleting the word "and" at the end of clause (r) thereof, (ii) replacing the period at the end of clause (s) thereof with "; and", and (iii) adding the following new clause (t) after clause (s):

"(t) Indebtedness initially incurred on or before ten Business Days after the Long Stop Date (as defined in the German Acquisition Agreement) and any extensions, renewals or refinancings thereof, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,100,000,000 so long as:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the initial proceeds of such Indebtedness are used to fund the purchase of Equity Interests of Klöckner & Co SE, transaction costs, and any refinancings relating to the German Acquisition Transactions (including pursuant to an investment made pursuant to clause (v) of the definition of "Permitted Investments");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the collateral for such Indebtedness shall consist solely of (x) except as set forth in clause (y) below with respect to any such Indebtedness incurred by a Special Purpose Finance Subsidiary, (A) second (2nd) priority Liens against U.S. Collateral (as defined in this Agreement on the Closing Date), (B) first (1st) priority Liens against Term Priority Collateral owned by the Domestic Loan Parties (such collateral, "<u>Domestic Term Priority Collateral</u>") and (C) first (1st) priority Liens against assets owned by Worthington

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Germany, in each case subject to Permitted Encumbrances and as more fully set forth in an intercreditor agreement substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1.2(c)(i) (provided that each of the Lenders expressly authorizes the Agent to enter into such intercreditor agreement without the further consent of any Lender) and (y) in the case of any such Indebtedness incurred by a Special Purpose Finance Subsidiary, Liens on the proceeds of such Indebtedness, any other cash or cash equivalents to cover interest and/or premiums and any related bank accounts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) in the case of such Indebtedness secured by Liens described in clause (ii)(x) above, Agent shall have been granted a second (2nd) priority Lien (subject to Permitted Encumbrances) in such Domestic Term Priority Collateral (excluding (A) any Real Property and (B) any other assets excluded by Agent in its Permitted Discretion), for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations, (1) with respect to Indebtedness in the form of a customary bridge facility, pursuant to an amendment to this Agreement to (x) amend the definition of "U.S. Collateral" and each other related definition and section as may be necessary to include such Domestic Term Priority Collateral as "Collateral" hereunder, in a manner that is substantially consistent with the corresponding defined terms and provisions set forth in the form agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 1.2(c)(ii), and (y) include a legend substantially consistent with the language provided for in Section 5.3(g) of the form of Intercreditor Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 1.2(c)(i) (provided that each of the Lenders expressly authorizes the Agent to enter into such amendment without the further consent of any Lender), and (2) with respect to Indebtedness in the form of any other type of facility, pursuant to documentation substantially consistent with the documents granting the Lien on the Domestic Term Priority Collateral securing the Indebtedness permitted by this subsection (t) (it being acknowledged, agreed and understood by all parties hereto, that Agent shall be authorized to file any and all UCC-3 financing statement amendments Agent deems reasonably necessary from time to time to reflect its Liens on the Term Loan Collateral);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) if Agent has been granted a Lien on Domestic Term Priority Collateral in accordance with clause (iii) above, Agent shall have received all supplemental opinions of counsel (including local counsel, if applicable) in respect of such Domestic Term Priority Collateral, (A) with respect to Indebtedness in the form of a customary bridge facility, substantially consistent with the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1.2(c)(iii), and (B) with respect to Indebtedness in the form of any other type of facility, in a form substantially consistent with the opinions delivered in respect of the Indebtedness permitted by this subsection (t); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) other than Indebtedness in the form of a customary bridge facility, such Indebtedness includes a maturity date that is no earlier than the last day of the Term."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The definition of "Permitted Investments" contained in Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended by (i) deleting the word "and" at the end of clause (t) thereof and (ii) adding the following new clauses (v) and (w) immediately before the proviso therein:

"(v) the German Acquisition Transactions; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(w) investments in any Special Purpose Finance Subsidiary in the form of cash or cash equivalents to be applied to the payment of (or held for future payment of) interest and/or premiums with respect the Indebtedness incurred by such Special Purpose Finance Subsidiary;"

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended to add the following new terms in the appropriate alphabetical order:

"<u>German Acquisition</u>" shall mean the acquisition by Worthington Germany of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Klöckner & Co SE pursuant to the German Acquisition Agreement.

"<u>German Acquisition Agreement</u>" shall mean that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2026, by and among Worthington Germany, Worthington Steel and Klöckner & Co SE.

"<u>German Acquisition Debt Financing Date</u>" shall mean the date that commitments in respect of any Indebtedness permitted by clause (t) of the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness" are provided to any Loan Party.

"<u>German Acquisition Transactions</u>" shall mean the German Acquisition and any transactions contemplated thereby, any investment of cash proceeds of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (t) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness for the purposes specified in such clause and the payment of costs, fees and expenses in connection with the German Acquisition.

"<u>Special Purpose Finance Subsidiary</u>" means a special purpose entity organized under the laws of any state of the United States that is formed by Worthington Steel or any of its Subsidiaries solely for the purpose of incurring Indebtedness in connection with the German Acquisition Transactions, the proceeds of which will be placed in escrow, pending the use of such proceeds, to effect transactions that at the time such proceeds are released from escrow are permitted hereunder (or that will result in a payment in full of the Obligations hereunder), which Subsidiary has no material assets other than such escrowed proceeds, any additional cash or cash equivalents held for the payment of interest and/or premiums with respect to such Indebtedness and related bank accounts, conducts no other business, and incurs no other Indebtedness.

"<u>Term Priority Collateral</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in clause (s)(i) of the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness".

"<u>Worthington Germany</u>" shall mean Worthington Steel GmbH, a German limited liability company (*Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, GmbH*).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Section 7.11 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to include the following proviso immediately before the "." therein as follows:

"; *provided*, *that*, for the avoidance of doubt, this clause (b) shall not be applicable to Indebtedness permitted by clause (t) of the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness""

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Section 10.9 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to insert the following parenthetical immediately following the words "first priority" therein:

"(or, in the case of Term Priority Collateral, second priority)"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Credit Agreement shall be amended to include <u>Exhibit 1.2(c)(i)</u>, <u>Exhibit 1.2(c)(ii)</u> and <u>Exhibit 1.2(c)(iii)</u>, each in its respective entirety, in the applicable form attached hereto.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Conditions Precedent</u>. This Amendment shall be effective upon the date of satisfaction of the following conditions precedent (the "<u>Second Amendment Effective Date</u>" (it being understood and agreed that the Second Amendment Effective Date is January 15, 2026) (all documents and deliverables to be in form and substance satisfactory to Agent):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Agent shall have received this Amendment, duly authorized, executed and delivered by each Loan Party and Required Lenders; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Worthington Steel shall have certified (which it hereby does pursuant to its signature to this Amendment) that the representation set forth in Section 4(c) is true and correct on the Second Amendment Effective Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Payment of Fees and Expenses</u>. The Loan Parties shall pay or reimburse Agent for all reasonable and documented fees owing to Agent and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable and documented attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment and the documents provided for herein or related hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>Representations and Warranties</u>. Each Loan Party hereby represents and warrants that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) such Loan Party has full power, authority and legal right to enter into this Amendment to and to perform all its respective Obligations hereunder. This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party, and this Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally. The execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment (a) are within such Loan Party's corporate or company powers, as applicable, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company action, as applicable, are not in contravention of law or the terms of such Loan Party's Organizational Documents or to the conduct of such Loan Party's business or of any Material Contract or undertaking to which such Loan Party is a party or by which such Loan Party is bound, (b) will not conflict with or violate any law or regulation, or any judgment, order or decree of any Governmental Body, (c) will not require the Consent of any Governmental Body, any party to a Material Contract or any other Person, except those Consents set forth on Schedule 5.1 to the Credit Agreement, all of which will have been duly obtained, made or compiled prior to the date hereof and which are in full force and effect, except where the failure to obtain such Consents would not be reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, and (d) will not result in the creation of any Lien, except Permitted Encumbrances, upon any asset of such Loan Party under the provisions of any agreement, instrument, or other document to which such Loan Party is a party or by which it or its property is a party or by which it may be bound;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) after giving effect to this Amendment, each of the representations and warranties made by any Loan Party in or pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents will be true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent already qualified by materiality in which case they shall be true and correct in all respects) as if made on and as of the date hereof, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties will be been true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent already qualified by materiality in which case they shall be true and correct in all respects) as of such earlier date; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) After giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date hereof or will occur after giving effect to this Amendment on the date hereof.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Consent under Intercreditor Agreement. Each Lender hereby (i) consents to the subordination of Liens provided for in the form of Intercreditor Agreement attached to the Credit Agreement as Exhibit 1.2(c)(i) (the "<u>Second Amendment Intercreditor</u>"), (ii) agrees that it will be bound by, and will take no actions contrary to, the provisions of the Second Amendment Intercreditor, (iii) authorizes and directs the applicable ABL Agent (as defined in the Second Amendment Intercreditor) to enter into the Second Amendment Intercreditor on its behalf, (iv) authorizes and directs the applicable ABL Agent (as defined in the Second Amendment Intercreditor) on its behalf to appoint the Designated ABL Agent (as defined in the Second Amendment Intercreditor) and (v) agrees that any action taken by the Designated ABL Agent (as defined in the Second Amendment Intercreditor) pursuant to the Second Amendment Intercreditor shall be binding upon such Lender.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>Reference to and Effect on the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon and after the Second Amendment Effective Date, each reference in the Credit Agreement to "this Agreement," "hereunder," "hereof" or words of like import referring to the Credit Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement as modified and amended hereby.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not, except as expressly provided herein, operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of Agent under the Credit Agreement or any of the Other Documents, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of the Credit Agreement or any of the Other Documents.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) To the extent that any terms and conditions in any of the Other Documents shall contradict or be in conflict with any terms or conditions of the Credit Agreement, after giving effect to this Amendment, such terms and conditions are hereby deemed modified or amended accordingly to reflect the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement as modified or amended hereby.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. <u>Integration</u>. This Amendment, together with the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents, incorporates all negotiations of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and is the final expression and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. <u>Severability</u>. If any part of this Amendment is contrary to, prohibited by, or deemed invalid under Applicable Laws, such provision shall be inapplicable and deemed omitted to the extent so contrary, prohibited or invalid, but the remainder hereof shall not be invalidated thereby and shall be given effect so far as possible.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. <u>Guarantor's and Grantor's Acknowledgment</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) With respect to the amendments to the Credit Agreement effected by this Amendment, each Guarantor hereby acknowledges and agrees to this Amendment and each Loan Party confirms and agrees that its guaranty and any Other Document to which it is a party (as modified and supplemented in connection with this Amendment) is and shall continue to be in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects except that, upon the effectiveness of, and on and after the date of this Amendment, each reference in such Other Document, as applicable, to the Credit Agreement, "thereunder," "thereof" or words of like import referring to the Credit Agreement, shall mean and be a reference to the Credit Agreement as amended or modified by this Amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) To secure the prompt payment and performance of the Obligations to Agent, each other Secured Party, and each holder of any Obligations, the Loan Parties reconfirm the prior collateral assignment, pledge and grant pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the applicable Other Documents of a continuing security interest in and Lien on all of the Collateral of the Loan Parties, whether now owned or existing or hereafter created, acquired or arising and wherever located.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. <u>Reaffirmation of Existing Financing Agreements</u>. Except as modified by the terms hereof, all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and all other of the Other Documents, are hereby reaffirmed and shall continue in full force and effect as therein written.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. <u>Miscellaneous</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) No rights are intended to be created hereunder for the benefit of any third party donee, creditor, or incidental beneficiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The headings of any paragraph of this Amendment are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret any provision hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) No modification hereof or any agreement referred to herein shall be binding or enforceable unless in writing and signed on behalf of the party against whom enforcement is sought.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Sections 12.3 (Jury Waiver) and 16.1 (Governing Law) of the Credit Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference, mutatis mutandis.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) This Amendment may be executed in any number of and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any signature delivered by a party by facsimile or electronic transmission (including email transmission of a PDF image) shall be deemed to be an original signature hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) This Amendment is an "Other Document" under the Credit Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. <u>Release</u>. Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that, as of the Second Amendment Effective Date: (a) it does not have any claim or cause of action against Agent (or any of the Lenders, or any of the Lenders' Affiliates', officers, directors, employees, attorneys, consultants or agents) arising out of the Credit Agreement and/or the Other Documents and (b) each Lender has heretofore properly performed and satisfied in a timely manner all of its obligations to Borrower under the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Lenders wish (and Borrower agrees) to eliminate any possibility that any past conditions, acts, omissions, events or circumstances would impair or otherwise adversely affect any of the Lenders' rights, interests, security and/or remedies under the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents. Accordingly, for and in consideration of the agreements contained in this Amendment and other good and valuable consideration, Borrower (for itself and each of the other Loan Parties and the successors, assigns, heirs and representatives of each of the foregoing) (each a "<u>Releasor</u>" and collectively, the "<u>Releasors</u>") does hereby fully, finally, unconditionally and irrevocably release and forever discharge the Lenders and their Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, consultants and agents (each a "<u>Released Party</u>" and collectively, the "<u>Released Parties</u>") from any and all debts, claims, obligations, damages, costs, attorneys' fees, suits, demands, liabilities, actions, proceedings and causes of action, in each case, whether known or unknown, contingent or fixed, direct or indirect, and of whatever nature or description, and whether in law or in equity, under contract, tort, statute or otherwise, which any Releasor has heretofore had or now or hereafter can, shall or may have against any Released Party by reason of any act, omission or thing whatsoever done or omitted to be done on or prior to the date hereof arising out of, connected with or related in any way to this Amendment, the Credit Agreement or any Other Document.

*[Signature Pages Follow]* 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Amendment as of the date first above written.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LOAN PARTIES** | **WORTHINGTON STEEL, INC.** | **WORTHINGTON STEEL, INC.** |
|  | By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
|  | Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
|  | Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
|  | **WORTHINGTON WSP, LLC** | **WORTHINGTON WSP, LLC** |
|  | By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
|  | Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
|  | Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
|  | **TEMPEL STEEL COMPANY, LLC** | **TEMPEL STEEL COMPANY, LLC** |
|  | By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
|  | Name: Dan Magnussen<br> Title: Treasurer | Name: Dan Magnussen<br> Title: Treasurer |
|  | **T DO B, LLC** | **T DO B, LLC** |
|  | By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
|  | Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
|  | Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
|  | **TEMPEL CANADA COMPANY** | **TEMPEL CANADA COMPANY** |
|  | By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
|  | Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
|  | Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
|  | **TEMPEL DE MEXICO, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.** | **TEMPEL DE MEXICO, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.** |
|  | By: | /s/ Rebecca May Schroeder |
|  | Name: Rebecca May Schroeder | Name: Rebecca May Schroeder |
|  | Title: Attorney-in-fact | Title: Attorney-in-fact |

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[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement]

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **WORTHINGTON STEEL ROME, LLC** | **WORTHINGTON STEEL ROME, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
| Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
| Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
| **THE WORTHINGTON STEEL COMPANY, LLC** | **THE WORTHINGTON STEEL COMPANY, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
| Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
| Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
| **THE WORTHINGTON STEEL COMPANY** | **THE WORTHINGTON STEEL COMPANY** |
| By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
| Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
| Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
| **WORTHINGTON TAYLOR, LLC** | **WORTHINGTON TAYLOR, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
| Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
| Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
| **CLEVELAND PICKLING, INC.** | **CLEVELAND PICKLING, INC.** |
| By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
| Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
| Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
| **WS MEXICO HOLDINGS, LLC** | **WS MEXICO HOLDINGS, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
| Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
| Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |

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[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement]

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **WORTHINGTON STEEL SERVICES, LLC** | **WORTHINGTON STEEL SERVICES, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Dan Magnussen |
| Name: Dan Magnussen | Name: Dan Magnussen |
| Title: Treasurer | Title: Treasurer |
| **WORTHINGTON STEEL HQ, LLC** | **WORTHINGTON STEEL HQ, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Joseph Heuer |
| Name: Joseph Heuer | Name: Joseph Heuer |
| Title: General Counsel and Secretary | Title: General Counsel and Secretary |

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[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement]

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **AGENT AND LENDER** | **PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION** | **PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION** |
|  | By: | /s/ John Wenzinger |
|  | Name: John Wenzinger | Name: John Wenzinger |
|  | Title: Senior Vice President | Title: Senior Vice President |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LENDER** | **BANK OF AMERICA, N. A.** | **BANK OF AMERICA, N. A.** |
|  | By: | /s/ Matthew Bourgeois |
|  | Name: Matthew Bourgeois | Name: Matthew Bourgeois |
|  | Title: Senior Vice President | Title: Senior Vice President |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LENDER** | **CIBC BANK USA** | **CIBC BANK USA** |
|  | By: | /s/ James Belletire |
|  | Name: James Belletire<br> Title: Managing Director | Name: James Belletire<br> Title: Managing Director |

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[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement]

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LENDER** | **U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION** | **U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION** |
|  | By: | /s/ Caitlin Bodzenski |
|  | Name: Caitlin Bodzenski<br> Title: Vice President | Name: Caitlin Bodzenski<br> Title: Vice President |

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[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement]

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LENDER** | **THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY** | **THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY** |
|  | By: | /s/ Jack Stibich |
|  | Name: Jack Stibich | Name: Jack Stibich |
|  | Title: Second Vice President | Title: Second Vice President |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LENDER** | **WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.** | **WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.** |
|  | By: | /s/ Olesya Mitkevych |
|  | Name: | Olesya Mitkevych |
|  | Title: | Executive Director |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LENDER** | **FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION** | **FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION** |
|  | By: | /s/ Pablo Ocejo |
|  | Name: | Pablo Ocejo |
|  | Title: | Assistant Vice President |

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[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement]

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LENDER** | **GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA** | **GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA** |
|  | By: | /s/ Roopa Chandra |
|  | Name: | Roopa Chandra |
|  | Title: | Authorized Signatory |

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[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement]

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LENDER** | **CITIBANK, N.A.** | **CITIBANK, N.A.** |
|  | By: | /s/ Steve Buehler |
|  | Name: | Steve Buehler |
|  | Title: | Authorized Signer |

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[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement]

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **LENDER** | **FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF PA** | **FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF PA** |
|  | By: | /s/ Connor Lent |
|  | Name: | Connor Lent |
|  | Title: | Officer |

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[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement]

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<u>Exhibit 1.2(c)(i)</u> 

<u>Form of Split-Lien Intercreditor Agreement</u> 

[*See attached*]

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<u>Exhibit 1.2(c)(ii)</u> 

<u>Form of Bridge Facility Security Agreement</u> 

[*See attached*]

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<u>Exhibit 1.2(c)(iii)</u> 

<u>Form of Bridge Facility Opinion</u> 

[*See attached*]

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1** 

**WORTHINGTON STEEL TO ACQUIRE KLOECKNER & CO** 

01/15/2026

**Strengthens Worthington Steel's leadership position in the North American metal processing sector** 

**Highlights:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Creates the second largest steel service center company in North America with over $9.5 billion of combined
revenue

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Highly complementary combination that strengthens Worthington Steel's strategic offerings in key product
categories and regions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Further diversifies Worthington Steel's products, end markets and geographic footprint across North America
and Europe

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Anticipated to generate an estimated $150 million of highly actionable, identified annual run-rate synergies

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Expected to be substantially accretive to Worthington Steel's EPS within the first full year of operation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Provides a platform with multiple avenues for accelerated further growth

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All-cash acquisition to be implemented via a Voluntary Tender Offer in
Germany

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Transaction supported by SWOCTEM GmbH, Kloeckner's major shareholder

COLUMBUS, Ohio—(BUSINESS WIRE)— Worthington Steel (NYSE: WS), today announced that it has entered into a Business Combination Agreement with Kloeckner & Co.

Listed in Germany (XETR: KCO), Kloeckner & Co is a leading service center and metal processing company with approximately 110 locations across North America and Europe. It has broad product capabilities including carbon flat-roll steel (sheet and plate), electrical steel, aluminum, stainless steel and long products. Over the past few years, Kloeckner has been transitioning toward high value-added processing and fabrication via M&A and strategic growth initiatives.

The proposed acquisition represents a strong strategic fit and advances Worthington Steel's growth strategy by strengthening its position in the North American metal processing sector.

It will create a larger and more diversified metals processing leader with an enhanced product offering and broader geographic reach. Once completed, the transaction will position Worthington Steel as the second largest steel service center company in North America by revenue.

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The transaction broadens Worthington Steel's product portfolio, end market exposure and geographic footprint. The combined company will benefit from greater scale, shared best practices and operational efficiency. Together, Worthington Steel and Kloeckner & Co will build upon their shared focus on safety, quality and operational excellence.

"*This is a strategic and transformative step in Worthington Steel's growth journey*," said Worthington Steel president and CEO Geoff Gilmore*.* "*Through the acquisition of Kloeckner & Co, we will enhance our offerings in high-value metals processing and create meaningful value for our shareholders, deeper relationships with our customers and suppliers, and growth opportunities for our employees. Worthington Steel and Kloeckner share a focus on operational excellence, innovation and disciplined execution. By integrating Kloeckner's capabilities in North America and Europe, we will be stronger together, building a more resilient business and driving shareholder value*."

"*This transaction is the right step for Kloeckner & Co as we continue to build on our strengths and position our business for the future*," said Guido Kerkhoff, CEO of Kloeckner & Co. "*Worthington Steel brings complementary capabilities, a highly respected reputation and an experienced leadership team that shares our focus on operational excellence and strategic growth. The combination of both companies offers compelling value to all our stakeholders, and we are excited that Kloeckner will be even better positioned to execute our strategic plan, serve our customers and support the long-term success of our people*."

**Attractive Transaction Economics** 

Worthington Steel has identified approximately $150 million in anticipated annual cost, operational, and commercial process synergies primarily in North America. Synergies are expected to be fully realized by the end of Worthington Steel's fiscal year 2028.

The transaction is expected to triple Worthington Steel's scale in terms of sales representing approximately $9.5 billion of combined revenue while maintaining margins above 7%, including synergies.

The offer price implies an enterprise value of $2.4 billion and represents EV / EBITDA multiples<sup>1</sup> of approximately 8.5x based on Kloeckner's TTM EBITDA as of September 30, 2025, and 5.5x considering anticipated run-rate synergies of $150 million.

Furthermore, the acquisition is expected to be substantially accretive to Worthington Steel's earnings per share within the first full year of operation.

**Transaction Execution** 

Worthington Steel GmbH, the subsidiary established for the acquisition, intends to launch a voluntary public offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Kloeckner & Co. Kloeckner shareholders who choose to participate in the offer will receive €11 in cash for each Kloeckner & Co share tendered into the offer. Kloeckner's Management and Supervisory board welcome the Offer and, subject to their review of the Offer Document, intend to recommend acceptance by Kloeckner's shareholders. The Management Board and executive leadership are expected to remain in place following completion of the transaction.

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SWOCTEM GmbH, Kloeckner's largest shareholder, owning approximately 42% of shares, has entered into an Irrevocable Agreement with Worthington Steel whereby they have committed to tender their shares in support of Worthington Steel's offer.

Completion of the offer will be subject to a minimum acceptance threshold of 65% of Kloeckner's issued share capital at the end of the acceptance period and regulatory approvals. Completion of the offer is expected to occur in the second half of calendar year 2026. Further details of the voluntary tender offer will be set forth in an Offer Document in accordance with German securities laws.

The Offer Document will be submitted to the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) for approval. Following BaFin approval, the Offer Document and all further information regarding the Offer will be published in accordance with the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act at www.strong-for-good.com.

**Financing and Capital structure** 

Worthington Steel expects to finance the transaction via a combination of cash on hand and new debt financing. The Offer will be fully financed via underwritten commitments and is not subject to any financing conditions.

At closing, Worthington Steel anticipates pro forma net leverage to be in the ~4.0x range including synergies. Worthington Steel's immediate post-transaction focus will center on deleveraging and synergy capture. Worthington Steel's goal is to reach net leverage levels below 2.5x within 24 months after closing.

Worthington Steel remains committed to its conservative financial approach and balanced capital allocation, with a continued focus on shareholder returns through dividends and disciplined reinvestment.

**Advisors and Counsel** 

Andina Partners International LLP and Bank of America are acting as financial advisors to Worthington Steel. Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel to Worthington Steel. Wells Fargo and Citigroup have provided fully underwritten financing commitments for the acquisition financing.

**Investor and Analyst Call** 

Worthington Steel will hold a dedicated conference call for analysts and investors on January 16, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the proposed acquisition of Kloeckner & Co. The call will be accessible via webcast at ir.worthingtonsteel.com. A replay of the webcast and the accompanying presentation materials will be available shortly thereafter at the same address.

**About Worthington Steel** 

Worthington Steel (NYSE: WS) is a metals processor that partners with customers to deliver highly technical and customized solutions. Worthington Steel's expertise in carbon flat-roll steel processing, electrical steel laminations and tailor welded solutions is driving steel toward a more sustainable future.

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As one of the most trusted metals processors in North America, Worthington Steel and its approximately 6,000 employees harness the power of steel to advance our customers' visions through value-added processing capabilities including galvanizing, pickling, configured blanking, specialty cold reduction, lightweighting and electrical lamination. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington Steel operates 37 facilities in seven states and 10 countries. Following a people-first Philosophy, commitment to sustainability and proven business system, Worthington Steel's purpose is to generate positive returns by providing trusted and innovative solutions for customers, creating opportunities for employees and strengthening its communities.

**About Kloeckner & Co** 

Kloeckner & Co is one of the largest producer-independent steel and metal processors and one of the leading service center companies. With its distribution and service network of around 110 warehouse and processing locations, primarily in North America and the "DACH" region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), Kloeckner & Co supplies more than 60,000 customers. Currently, the Group has more than 6,000 employees. Kloeckner & Co had sales of some €6.6 billion in fiscal year 2024. By consistently implementing its corporate strategy, Kloeckner & Co strives to become one of the leading service center and metal processing companies in North America and Europe. The focus is on continued targeted expansion of the service center and higher value-added business, diversification of the product and service portfolio as well as integration of additional CO2-reduced solutions under the Nexigen<sup>®</sup> umbrella brand.

The shares of Kloeckner & Co SE are admitted to trading on the regulated market segment (Regulierter Markt) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse) with further post-admission obligations (Prime Standard). Kloeckner & Co shares are listed in the SDAX<sup>®</sup> index of Deutsche Börse.

ISIN: DE000KC01000; WKN: KC0100; Common Code: 025808576

**Important information:** 

This press release constitutes neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell Kloeckner & Co shares. The final provisions relating to the takeover offer will be disclosed in the offer document after the BaFin has authorized the publication of the offer document. The bidder reserves the right to deviate from the key points set out herein in the final terms of the takeover offer to the extent legally permissible. Investors and Kloeckner & Co shareholders are strongly advised to read the offer document and all other documents relating to the takeover offer as soon as they are published, as they will contain important information.

The takeover offer will be made exclusively on the basis of the applicable provisions of German law, in particular the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs und Übernahmegesetz – WpÜG) and certain securities laws provisions of the United States of America (the "United States" or "U.S."). The takeover offer will not be made in accordance with the legal requirements of any jurisdiction other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States (to the extent applicable). Accordingly, no announcements, registrations, approvals

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or authorizations for the offer have been made, arranged for or granted outside the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States (to the extent applicable). Investors and holders of Kloeckner & Co shares may not claim to be protected by the investor protection laws of any jurisdiction other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States (as applicable). Subject to the exceptions described in the offer document and any exemptions to be granted by the relevant regulatory authorities, no takeover offer will be made, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of applicable national law. This press release may not be published or otherwise distributed, in whole or in part, in any jurisdiction in which the takeover offer would be prohibited by applicable national law.

The bidder and its affiliates or affiliates of its financial advisor reserve the right to directly or indirectly purchase or arrange to purchase Kloeckner & Co shares or any other securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such Kloeckner & Co shares outside of the takeover offer, provided that such purchases or arrangements to purchase are not made in the United States and comply with the applicable German statutory provisions, in particular the WpÜG. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase, including the number of Kloeckner & Co shares purchased or to be purchased and the consideration paid or agreed, will be published in German and English language without undue delay if and to the extent required under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States or any other relevant jurisdiction.

The takeover offer referenced in this press release relates to shares in a German company and is subject to the statutory provisions of the Federal Republic of Germany on the implementation of such an offer, which differ from those of the United States and other jurisdictions in certain material respects. The financial information relating to the bidder and the company included elsewhere, including in the offer document, will be prepared in accordance with provisions applicable in the Federal Republic of Germany and will not be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States; therefore, it may not be comparable to financial information relating to United States companies or companies from other jurisdictions outside the Federal Republic of Germany. The takeover offer will not be submitted to the review or registration procedures of any securities regulator outside of Germany and has not been approved or recommended by any securities regulator. Kloeckner & Co shareholders whose place of residence, incorporation or place of habitual abode is in the United States should note that the takeover offer will be made in respect of securities of a company which is a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act") and the shares of which are not registered under Section 12 of the U.S. Exchange Act and that the company is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the U.S. Exchange Act, and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") thereunder. The takeover offer will be made in the United States pursuant to Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E under the Exchange Act, subject to the exemption provided under Rule 14d-1(d) under the U.S. Exchange Act, for a Tier II tender offer and will be principally governed by disclosure and other regulations and procedures of the Federal Republic of Germany, including with respect to the takeover offer timetable, settlement procedures, withdrawal, waiver of conditions and timing of payments, which are different from those of the United States. The takeover offer will be made to the company's shareholders resident in the United States on the same terms and conditions as those made to all other

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shareholders of the company to whom an offer is made. Any informational documents, including this press release, will be disseminated to U.S. shareholders on a basis comparable to the method that such documents are provided to the company's other shareholders. To the extent that the takeover offer is subject to United States securities laws, such laws only apply to Kloeckner & Co shareholders in the United States, and no other person has any claims under such laws.

Any agreement concluded with the bidder as a result of the acceptance of the planned takeover offer will be governed exclusively by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and shall be construed accordingly. It may be difficult for shareholders from the United States (or from jurisdictions other than Germany) to enforce their rights and claims arising in connection with the takeover offer under the U.S. Securities Act (or other laws known to them) because the bidder and the company are located outside the United States (or the jurisdiction in which the shareholder is domiciled) and their respective officers and directors are domiciled outside the United States (or the jurisdiction in which the shareholder is domiciled). It may be impossible to sue a non-U.S. company or its officers and directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of U.S. securities laws. It may also be impossible to compel a non-U.S. company or its subsidiaries to submit to the judgment of a U.S. court.

**Forward-looking statements** 

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Worthington Steel's and Kloeckner & Co's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions related to the acquisition and the benefits of the transaction, the expected outcomes of the proposed acquisition, including estimated cost, operations and commercial synergies and the timeline to realize such synergies, the impact on Worthington Steel's earnings, Worthington Steel's expected pro forma net leverage ratio following the transaction and net leverage ratio goals following the transaction, the expected timeline for completing the acquisition, and other statements that are not historical or current fact and are characterized by terms like "expects," "believes," "anticipates", "is of the opinion," "tries," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "assumes" "may," "will," "would," "should" and "aims" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current intentions, assumptions or expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding Worthington Steel's and Kloeckner & Co's respective businesses and the proposed acquisition, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (i) the ability of the parties to successfully complete the proposed acquisition on the anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining required regulatory approvals and other conditions to the completion of the acquisition, (ii) the ability of the parties to achieve the minimum requisite acceptance threshold of Kloeckner & Co's issued share capital at the end of the acceptance period; (iii) the financing arrangements relating to the acquisition, (iv) the effects of the transaction on Worthington Steel's and Kloeckner & Co's operations, including on the combined company's future financial condition and performance, operating results, strategy and plans, including anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, losses, future prospects, and business and management strategies for the

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management, expansion and growth of the new combined company's operations, (v) the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the proposed acquisition on relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties, (vi) the ability of the combined company to achieve the anticipated cost synergies or accretion to earnings per share, and (vii) the other factors detailed in Worthington Steel's reports filed with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the caption "Risk Factors," as well as the other risks discussed in Worthington Steel's filings with the SEC. In addition, these statements are based on assumptions that are subject to change. Further, it cannot be ruled out that Worthington Steel and/or Kloeckner & Co will change their intentions and assessments expressed in documents or notifications or in the Offer Document yet to be published after publication of the documents, notifications or the Offer Document. This press release speaks only as of the date hereof. Each of Worthington Steel and Kloeckner & Co disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

<sup>1</sup> Multiples are pro forma for proceeds from the sale of assets to Russel Metals completed on December 31, 2025, and the Becker exit announced by Kloeckner on January 15, 2026.

**Media Contacts:** 

**Worthington Steel** 

Melissa Dykstra

Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations

Phone: 614-840-4144

Melissa.Dykstra@WorthingtonSteel.com

**European Media Contact** 

**Brunswick Group** 

Julia Klostermann

Director

+49 174-740-2796

Jklostermann@brunswickgroup.com

Source: Worthington Steel, Inc.