Germany: acquisition of a large syngas plant

Air Liquide has just signed an agreement with OXEA GmbH for the acquisition of its syngas plant based in Oberhausen (Rhine-Ruhr area).

In Germany, Air Liquide has just signed an agreement with OXEA GmbH for the acquisition of its syngas plant based in Oberhausen (Rhine-Ruhr area). Anti-trust authorities have given their approval.

This large plant has a production capacity of approximately 83,000 Nm³ per hour of syngas - a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide - used in the production of oxo-intermediates and oxo-derivatives, which are used in high-quality coatings, lubricants and cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

In close proximity to this syngas facility, Air Liquide is already operating three air separation units that have also delivered oxygen to OXEA for several years now. Air Liquide is currently building a fourth air separation unit in Oberhausen, with a production capacity of 2,400 tonnes of oxygen per day (as announced on June 5, 2008).

Guy Salzgeber, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, Vice-President for North and Central Europe, said: ”We are very glad to welcome the new employees from the OXEA plant to the Air Liquide Group. This takeover offers a good illustration of our growth strategy in existing large marketplaces and meets the increasing customer demand for the outsourcing of industrial gases activities. It will generate immediate revenue and intensify our longstanding relationship of cooperation with OXEA. Through this acquisition, Air Liquide reinforces its development in Germany and strengthens its position in the Rhine-Ruhr, one of the largest and leading industrial areas in Europe.”

Air Liquide in Germany has around 4,000 employees and serves about 300,000 customers.

Revenue in 2009 came to approximately € 2 billion.

The Large Industries business line of Air Liquide offers gas and energy solutions that improve process efficiency and help achieve greater respect for the environment, mainly to the refining and natural gas, chemicals, metals and energy markets.

2009 revenues were € 3,219 million.