DANBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) announced today that it has acquired two independent distributors of packaged gas and welding supplies – United Welding Supplies, LLC (United) in Texas and Best Welders Supply, Inc. (Best) in Oklahoma, with combined 2013 annual sales of about $30 million. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
United is one of the largest independent gas and welding products distributors in the greater Houston area. United has 49 employees and operates three locations, including its headquarters and primary cylinder filling plant in Houston and retail stores in LaPorte and Freeport, Texas.
“Praxair is the best operational and strategic fit for United,” said Carolyn Johnson, owner and president. “Praxair will help our business enhance its product offerings, serve customers and continue to grow.”
Best Welders Supply has 25 employees and has served the Tulsa area for 50 years. Its headquarters facility in Tulsa includes a cylinder fill plant, retail store and administrative offices.
“We’re excited about the future,” said Best owner and President Mark Davidson. “As part of Praxair, we will have access to the resources and support of one of the strongest and best industrial gases companies in the world, and we’ll be able to serve customers and grow the business in ways we couldn’t manage on our own.”
“We have been steadily growing our packaged and small bulk business in Houston and the Gulf Coast region. In addition, the growing Tulsa region has a strong economy supported by a healthy oil and gas industry and aerospace equipment manufacturing. The acquisition of these well-established distributors enables Praxair to further strengthen its presence in these important geographies,” said Praxair Distribution, Inc. President Scott Kaltrider. “We are excited to have them join the Praxair team and look forward to serving our new customers.”
About Praxair
Praxair, Inc., a Fortune 250 company with 2013 sales of $12 billion, is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America and one of the largest worldwide. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies are making our planet more productive by bringing efficiency and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and many others. More information about Praxair, Inc. is available at www.praxair.com.
