Airgas, Inc. has acquired Welding & Therapy Services, Inc. Airgas is a leading supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases. Welding & Therapy, a company that also supplies industrial and medical gas as well as being a welding supply distributor has five locations spread across Kentucky and Indiana. Its annual revenues exceed $10 million and the company has been serving customers in the two states for more than 40 years.

The acquisition became effective on March 3, 2014. Airgas has also acquired 11 businesses with annual revenues of close to $82 million. An executive with Airgas summarized its strategy in acquiring these businesses. "Growth through acquisition remains an important complement to our organic growth story, and we look forward to continuing to enhance our integrated product and service offering to customers through the acquisition of both core and adjacent product and service businesses in the future."

From the perspective of Welding & Therapy, they appeared impressed with what they called the "customer-centric culture" of Airgas.  They also were impressed by the "consistent investment in local strength and service" of Airgas.  The President of Welding & Therapy felt that the combined product offering of the two companies would also make both companies stronger.

Business and transactional attorneys can provide services when it comes to these sorts of matters.  There are, of course, a variety of legal and regulatory issues that come about when  take place.  A great deal of advice and strategic planning will be needed that goes well beyond when the transaction is actually completed.  Also, certain transactions are contested requiring legal representation as well.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, "," March 4, 2014