1 EXHIBIT 5.2 [CHAPARRAL STEEL COMPANY LETTERHEAD] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHAPARRAL STEEL BOARD RECEIVES OFFER TO MERGE (Midlothian, Texas - May 22, 1997) The Board of Directors of Chaparral Steel Company (NYSE-CSM) today announced that it has received an unsolicited offer to merge with Texas Industries, Inc., owner of 85% of Chaparral Steel. Under terms of the offer, owners of the publicly traded shares of Chaparral Steel would receive consideration of $14.25 per share, pursuant to a cash merger. The Board of Directors has appointed a Special Committee to consider the offer and make a recommendation to Chaparral's Board. No timetable has been adopted by the Special Committee for a response to the proposal from Texas Industries. Chaparral Steel Company manufactures high quality structural and bar products from recycled steel for distribution throughout North America. # # #