-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORM 6-K U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 dated December 13, 2002 Commission File Number 1-14878 GERDAU S.A. (Exact Name as Specified in its Charter) N/A (Translation of Registrant's Name) Av. Farrapos 1811 Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil CEP 90220-005 (Address of principal executive offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F [X] Form 40-F _____ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):______ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):______ Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes _____ No [X] If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): Not applicable. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused the Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: December 13, 2002 GERDAU S.A. By:/s/ Osvaldo Burgos Schirmer --------------------------------- Name: Osvaldo Burgos Schirmer Title: Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Description of Exhibit 1 Press release dated December 2, 2002