This independent survey carries significant weight not only in Russia, but also in the international finance community, where Standard & Poor’s ratings are recognized for their unbiased opinion and comprehensive assessment system.

The survey assesses 70 major Russian companies, issuers of the most liquid shares constituting 90% of the Russia’s stock market capitalization. In last year's survey, Mechel was ranked thrid.

According to S & P’s evaluation system, the following aspects of a Company's disclosure are reviewed:

- property structure
- shareholders' rights
- financial information
- operational information
- Board of Directors and Management information

Mechel attained the highest ranking of all Russian companies in the "operational and financial information" cateogory. Additionally, the Company was ranked among the top companies in the "property structure" and "shareholders' rights" components.

"We are pleased that Mechel’s efforts to adhere to the best principles of corporate governance and transparency have received this distinguished recognition from Standard & Poor’s. Our ranking in the transparency survey further confirms that Mechel is recognized as one of the word’s leading companies committed to the highest standards in of governance and disclosure," Mechel’s Chief Operating Officer Alexey Ivanushkin commented.