Linde acquires gases and welding services suppliers in Sorel-Tracy

Purchase of two companies gives Linde greater access to customers in Sorel-Tracy area

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, April 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Linde Canada Limited has purchased the shares of two companies -- Oxygene Sorel-Tracy (OST) and Soudure Industrielle du Richelieu Metropolitain Inc. (SIRM). The companies are located in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, and have been supplying industrial gases, welding equipment and services to customers in Sorel-Tracy area for decades.

OST, established in 1980, sells gases to heavy industry, while SIRM has 40 years of experience selling welding hardgoods, renting welders and repairing welders, cutting torches and gas regulators.

Chris Ebeling, vice president and general manager for Linde Canada, said, "This acquisition gives Linde greater presence in that region of Quebec. The companies are located just 70 kilometers northeast of the Linde fill plant in Montreal and gives us a competitive edge in serving industrial customers in that market. SIRM's rental and repair business presents a step out opportunity for Linde. Also, SIRM's operation is scalable and allows other Linde branches to take advantage of its rental and repair expertise."

Linde Canada specializes in industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as welding and cutting equipment and safety supplies. The company markets these products through over 70 stores located throughout Canada or online via our e-commerce site at www.shop.lindecanada.com.

Linde Canada Limited is an affiliate of Linde North America, a member of The Linde Group. In the 2013 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 16.655 bn (USD 23.1 bn), making it the largest gases and engineering company in the world with approximately 63,500 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com.

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SOURCE: Linde Canada Limited

Juliana Caporali, Communications Lead, Responsable des communications, Linde Canada Ltd. / Ltee, 5860 Chedworth Way, Mississauga, Ontario L5R 0A2, Tel [phone], [email protected]

http://www.linde.com

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