Air Liquide finalizes the acquisition of Scott Specialty Gases

Air Liquide America Specialty Gases LLC, a 100% Air Liquide affiliate, has finalized the purchase of the assets of Scott Specialty Gases, Inc., a leading privately held international producer and supplier of mixed and pure specialty gases to the analytical, medical and electronics sectors, and of high-performance gas handling equipment and specialty gas delivery systems.

In the U.S., the newly established entity is headquartered in Plumsteadville, Pennsylvania. The acquisition will add 450 Scott Specialty Gases employees to Air Liquide's current workforce of 3,800 employees in the U.S. The combined Air Liquide and Scott operations in the high growth market for specialty gases will provide Air Liquide with a new platform for growth and a true nationwide U.S. presence, notably in the Middle Atlantic, North Central and Pacific regions of the U.S.

Internationally, Scott develops business from the UK and the Netherlands, to Europe, India, Africa the Middle East and from the U.S. to Taiwan. Air Liquide has also integrated Scott's European operations into Air Liquide UK Limited, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK and Scott Specialty Gases Netherlands, BV, in Breda, NL.

Pierre Dufour, Executive Vice-President, Air Liquide Group, said: "Scott is a leading brand in specialty, medical and electronic gases recognized the world over for quality and service. A natural fit for Air Liquide, Scott will further its strategy of growing its high value-added specialty gas business.”

Fred Merz has owned and led Scott Specialty Gases since 1977. About selling the company to Air Liquide, he said: "I am very pleased that Air Liquide is acquiring the global business and assets of Scott Specialty Gases. This is a terrific strategic fit for our Scott Team Members, our customers and our operations.”