Cordatus Capital has formed a group to specifically pursue acquisitions of packaged gas distributors, and made its first move with investment in Lubbock, TX-based independent packaged gas distributor B&J Welding Supply. 

Founded in 1977, B&J Welding Supply supplies industrial gases and propane to the industrial, energy, agricultural and medical end markets in West Texas. The investment will allow the company to pursue geographic and product offering expansion, according to a May 21 news release.

“B&J Welding Supply is proud to partner with Cordatus in its latest initiative aimed at expanding to new markets and elevating the customer experience to new heights,” B&J Welding Supply’s Jason Jones said. Jones will stay in place as CEO, board member and shareholder.

Cordatus Eyes Packaged Gas Distribution Acquisitions

Cordatus formed American Gas Group to pursue further acquisition opportunities across the packaged gas industry.

American Gas Group seeks to partner with independent packaged gas distributors with the goal of “preserving the independent mindset, entrepreneurial spirit and family legacy commonly found in the packaged gas industry,” company officials said.

Robert “Robby” Smith has joined American Gas Group as the President of Acquisitions and Business Development.

Smith started his career in the packaged gas industry, guiding his family’s business, Bob Smith Gas Products, to a sale to Praxair.