Sterling Construction Buys Remaining Interest in Ralph L. Wadsworth Unit

Sterling Construction Company, Inc.

, ("Sterling" or the "Company") today announced that on December 31, 2012 it made an early exercise of its option under a December 2009 Purchase Agreement (“the 2009 Agreement”) and purchased the remaining 20% membership interest in Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC (“RLW”) that was previously held by RLW's executive management. Sterling further retained the services of RLW's CEO, President and Vice President of Business Development, Kip, Con and Tod Wadsworth, respectively, under new employment agreements. Total consideration of $23.1 million was funded by drawing down on Sterling's line of credit. Sterling intends to repay the borrowed funds by liquidating some of its short-term investments. In accordance with the 2009 Agreement, the purchase price is 20% of the simple average of RLW's EBITDA (income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for the calendar years 2010, 2011 and 2012 times a multiple of a minimum of 4.0 and a maximum of 4.5. In accordance with the terms of the 2009 Agreement, the applicable multiple was 4.0. For purposes of determining the exercise price, EBITDA for 2012 was based on an estimate, and the final purchase price will be adjusted based on actual EBITDA for 2012 once the audit of the financial results for 2012 has been completed.