Industrial Merchant Market Acquisition in Poland
Poland is one of the largest countries and economies in Central Europe. Markets
such as metals, automotive and food are enjoying significant growth and
require increasing amounts of industrial gases.
In this context, Air Liquide announces that it completed the acquisition of AMCOGAZ
on June 1, 2010.
AMCO-GAZ, a distributor of compressed and liquefied gases, has been operating in
the Polish market since 1991. The acquisition of AMCO-GAZ represents the
integration of 90 new employees, over 2,500 customers and two additional
cylinder filling operations. One is located in Poznañ, in northwest Poland, and
the other is in Bia³ystok, in the northeast.
This acquisition is part of the Group's long-term strategic investment program
in Poland, with approximately 100 million allocated for 2010. Its goal is to
increase national coverage as well as significantly strengthen Air Liquide's
position in the cylinder market in Poland.
Guy Salzgeber, Vice-President North and Central Europe and member of the
Air Liquide Executive Committee, commented: "This acquisition is in line with our
development strategy, as it will strengthen our position in Poland with a full
geographic coverage and allow us to better meet strong and growing demand
in the industrial merchant market. Air Liquide is delighted to welcome the new
employees of AMCO-GAZ to the Group. This project is in alignment with the
Group's long-term strategy, which seeks to capture tomorrow's growth in
emerging economies."
