Airgas completes acquisition of Aeriform
  by: OilOnline
  Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Airgas, Inc. has completed the planned acquisition of the assets and operations of Houston, TX-based Aeriform Corporation, an independent distributor with 29 locations in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Airgas first announced its agreement to acquire the operations on August 7, 2006.

The acquired business employed about 240 people and generated annual sales of approximately $65 million. About 58% of its revenue comes from gas and rent, with the balance from traditional welding hardgoods.

Airgas is integrating the Aeriform operations through three of its regional companies, with an effective date of September 1, 2006. Airgas Southwest has assumed operations of 14 sites in Texas, including locations near Houston, Victoria, El Paso, and Lubbock. Airgas Gulf States is integrating seven sites in southern Louisiana and east Texas. Airgas Mid South is integrating two sites in Kansas, four sites in Oklahoma, and two locations in Shreveport, Louisiana.

"Airgas and Aeriform people have worked to make this transition a smooth one for customers and employees," said Mike Molinini, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Airgas. "We welcome the Aeriform associates, who are joining our Airgas regional companies. We also look forward to welcoming Aeriform customers, and to offering our new customers a broader product range to meet their gases, welding and safety product needs."

"All of us at Aeriform are very pleased to complete this transaction on schedule, which will allow our organization and our customers to go forward with the nation's largest distributor," said Michael Stoddard, president and CEO of Aeriform Corporation.