Abstract: A collating apparatus for cans or other articles of circular cross-section comprises a plurality of conveyor belts running parallel to one another and a constraining wall inverted just above the belts serving to collate the cans into a nested configuration, i.e., with transverse lines of cans at approximately an angle of 60.degree. to one another whereby a maximum number of cans can be accommodated in a given space. The constraining wall has a transverse portion facing an intake throat aided by zig-zag portions which build up a triangle pattern until the wall space has been filled. A circle of cans is then lifted magnetically.