Global private equity firm The Carlyle Group completed the previously announced merger of John Maneely Co. (JMC), parent of Wheatland Tube, on Dec. 8, 2006. Financial terms were not released.

Carlyle holds a majority interest in the combined business, which is now the largest North American manufacturer of steel pipe and tubing with sales in excess of $2 billion and annual volume of more than 2 million tons. JMC remains the parent entity, with Wheatland Tube and Atlas Tube its two operating divisions.

Armand Lauzon Jr. remains CEO of the combined business and Barry Zekelman, who was CEO of Atlas, is executive vice president of JMC, leading all commercial and manufacturing operations.