Praxair acquires Messer Group's industrial gases business in Italy

In order to strengthen its position in Italy, Praxair Inc has acquired Messer Italia S.p.A’s liquid carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen and argon and packaged gases businesses. The businesses will be fully integrated into the operations of Praxair’s Italian joint venture, Rivoira S.p.A. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
 
“We continue to execute on our business strategy of building out production and distribution density in key geographies. We will seamlessly integrate these assets into current operations and drive productivity gains. Our expanded operations will also enable us to supply industrial gases to our customers across the country even more efficiently,” said Todd Skare, President, Praxair Europe.
 
In addition, Praxair sold its industrial gases operations in France to Messer France SAS. Praxair’s French operations included three air separation units and two packaged gas filling stations. Prior to this agreement, Praxair had a small industrial gases presence in France. This transaction enables the company to deliver on its stated strategy of investing in its core geographies.