Specialty Gasses Supplier Makes Acquisition

Air Liquide Canada Inc., a supplier of industrial, medical, specialty gases, and a supplier of welding products, has announced its acquisition of Messer Griesheim Industries of Canada Inc.
Messer Canada, a subsidiary of the Messer Group, is a distributor of industrial cylinder gases, bulk gases and specialty gases and related equipment. With a total of 86 employees, it consists of two filling plants and 12 selling locations across Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland.
“This acquisition strengthens our base in central and eastern Canada and represents an excellent growth opportunity,” said Patrick Jozon, President and chief operating officer of Air Liquide Canada. “We expect it will generate significant benefits for customers, who will not only have access to the complete range of Air Liquide’s expanded products and services offer, but will benefit from our e-business platform, our worldwide network of experts and our international research centres.”
MG Industries’ spokesperson, Michael Masha, vice-president and chief financial officer of the U.S. affiliate of Messer Griesheim, stated that Messer’s sale of this business unit is part of its global divestment program and its strategy to focus on its core businesses.
The acquisition represents an important step in Air Liquide Canada’s long- term growth plan, enhancing Air Liquide’s position as an industry leader with a distribution network that is unrivalled in the industry.
“Air Liquide considers proximity to its customers very important – maintaining a sales presence in our community, close to our customers. We are committed to honoring this value,” Jozon continued, “This is an excellent strategic fit.”