Praxair Acquires Packaged Gases Business

Praxair Distribution, Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), has acquired Kirk Welding Supply, Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquired company had sales of $28 million in 2007. Through 10 locations in eastern Kansas and western Missouri, the company sells high-pressure industrial and specialty gases, welding equipment and related supplies and services.

“The acquisition of Kirk Welding Supply provides a great growth platform from which Praxair can better serve customers in eastern Kansas and western Missouri,” said George Ristevski, president of Praxair Distribution, Inc.

“Praxair is the best operational and strategic fit for us,” said Kirk Welding Supply President Rick Hanchette, who has joined Praxair. “We are confident that as part of Praxair, we can offer expanded service capabilities that will benefit our customers, our employees and our communities.”

Kirk Welding Supply and its 85 employees will join Praxair Distribution’s 5000 employees in North America. This acquisition complements 11 other acquisitions and joint ventures Praxair Distribution has completed and integrated over the past 12 months in the U.S. and Canada.