Airgas Acquires Fitch Industrial & Welding Supply Based in Lawton, OK |
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Airgas
259 No. Radnor-Chester Rd.
Radnor, PA, 19087
USA
 
Press release date: December 1, 2009
RADNOR, PA - December 1, 2009 - Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced it has completed the acquisition of Fitch Industrial & Welding Supply ("Fitch"), an industrial gas and welding supply distributor with three locations in Oklahoma and one in Wichita Falls, TX. The Lawton, OK-based business employs 39 people and generated more than $10 million in revenue during calendar 2008.
The Oklahoma branches have been integrated into Airgas Mid-South, headquartered in Tulsa, OK, while the Wichita Falls branch has been integrated into Airgas Southwest, headquartered in Houston, TX. Airgas Mid South and Airgas Southwest are among 12 regional companies within Airgas' distribution business.
"Fitch has a strong reputation in the area, and long-standing relationships with their customers," said Max Hooper, Airgas western division president. "We are excited to welcome the Fitch employees to Airgas, and to provide our new customers with access to the most complete offering of products and services in the industry."
Fitch boasts nearly 60 years of operation after its founding in 1950 by Carl Fitch. Carl's son Fred joined the company in 1970, soon thereafter assuming his current role as president and owner.
"Fred Fitch has been an industry leader for years, not only in running his company but also in holding significant management roles, including past president, in the industry association GAWDA," said Les Graff, Airgas senior vice president - corporate development. "We are very pleased Fred chose to join forces with Airgas, as we remain committed to strengthening our platform by investing in quality businesses."
"It has been a true pleasure to build this business over the years, and to serve the outstanding business community in and around Lawton," commented Fitch. "I wanted to be sure that our Fitch employees and customers had the best future possible, so it made perfect sense to join Airgas, the nation's premier industrial gas company."
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.
Media Contact:
Jay Worley
(610) 902-6206
jay.worley@airgas.com
Investor Contact:
Barry Strzelec
(610) 902-6256
barry.strzelec@airgas.com
Airgas, Inc.
259 North Radnor-Chester Road Suite 100,
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
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