Further Acquisitions in Healthcare
Both the diagnosis and treatment of chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD
(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), are now
much improved. Home therapy is an option and is developing rapidly worldwide. Air
Liquide serves several hundred thousand patients, as required by their medical
prescription, thus being the industry's European leader and one of the world's prime
providers. Having consolidated its positions in Europe over the last few years (Germany,
the United Kingdom) and started its homecare business in Asia (China), Air Liquide is
further strengthening its network through targeted acquisitions.
In the Netherlands, Air Liquide has just completed the acquisition of Comcare
medical, a company specializing in the treatment of OSA. Comcare medical treats
7,300 patients, generating revenues of roughly 3 million in 2008. By doing this, the
Group strengthened its position in the Dutch health sector. Comcare medical's business
complements Air Liquide's existing activities, both in terms of targeted conditions and
regional presence. The leader in Belgium and Germany, Air Liquide will now gain national
coverage in the Netherlands.
In Tunisia, Air Liquide has just acquired Air Separation, a company specializing in
respiratory care, thus strengthening its positions in North Africa. Air Liquide now treats
almost one thousand patients in Tunisia, for a wide array of respiratory pathologies.
Jean-Marc de Royere, Senior Vice-President in charge of the Healthcare World
Business Line and a member of the Air Liquide Executive Committee, declared: "These
regular and targeted acquisitions in Healthcare illustrate our strategy. The ongoing
expansion of our international network is strengthening the leadership of our
medical business. We are preparing it for forthcoming demographic changes by
focusing on the needs of patients and developing new services. Healthcare is a
solid and promising growth driver for the Group."
