Airgas Announces Six Acquisitions
Adds industrial and medical gas and related equipment businesses with combined annual revenues of approximately $17 million
RADNOR, PA -Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and related supplies today announced it has acquired the assets and operations of six businesses that complement the Airgas portfolio of products and services. Three of the six acquisitions closed as recently as August 1. Combined, the six acquired businesses generated annual revenues of approximately $17 million in 2011.
"We're beginning to see greater interest on the part of packaged gas and hardgoods distributors, as well as product-line adjacency businesses, in enhancing their product and service offerings to their loyal customers under the Airgas brand," said Les Graff, Airgas Senior Vice President - Corporate Development. "We look forward to continuing the tradition of outstanding customer service that these businesses have built over many years, and we welcome all of our new associates to the Airgas family."
On August 1, Airgas USA, LLC, acquired the assets and operations of Terjan Co., Inc., which was doing business as Valley Welding & Industrial Supply, based in Bakersfield, CA. Founded in 2000 by 30-year welding supply veteran Jan Meyer, Valley serves the region's industrial and agricultural customers. The company's 14 associates, along with the Bakersfield location which accommodates cylinder filling and warehousing operations, are now part of Airgas USA, LLC's West region.
On August 1, Airgas USA, LLC, also purchased the assets and operations of AEON Corporation, which was doing business as Ferguson Industrial Gases, an industrial gas and welding supply distributor in Texas. Ferguson Industrial Gases was established in 1978 and has served industrial and medical customers out of its Frisco, McKinney, Lewisville, and Sherman, TX locations. Ferguson Industrial Gases' 17 associates and four locations are now part of Airgas USA, LLC's Southwest region, enhancing Airgas' distribution footprint in the greater Dallas area.
Mountain Welding Supply, LLC, an industrial gas and welding supply distributor based in Pioneer, CA, joined Airgas USA, LLC's Northern California and Nevada region effective August 1. Mountain has been servicing its loyal customers in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains outside of Sacramento for more than 12 years.
Florida-based carbon dioxide and dry ice distributor Carbonic Group, owned by John and Herb Hinely, joined Airgas Carbonic effective July 2nd. With locations in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami, Carbonic Group's 36 associates and more than 40 years of experience will further enhance Airgas' strong presence in those regions.
Reese Oxygen & Hydro-Testing, LLC, joined Airgas National Welders effective July 1st. Reese and its four associates bring a rich 30-year history of serving medical and industrial gas customers in greater Gibsonville, NC.
Red-D-Arc Limited, an Airgas company, acquired the Chicoutimi, Quebec location of Soudogaz, Inc., a privately-held business based in the Province of Quebec, Canada, that sells, services, and rents used welding and positioning equipment. The location also offers an accredited equipment repair service, provides 24-hour emergency services, and offers training programs for specialty welding applications. Seven employees from the Soudogaz Chicoutimi location are now part of Red-D-Arc's operations. The acquisition, which closed in April, has enabled Red-D-Arc to increase its footprint in northeastern Quebec with additional sales and repair resources.
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 a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases, carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, and a leading U.S. distributor of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. More than 15,000 employees work in approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also markets 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:
Doug Sherman (610) 902-6270
doug.sherman@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
