Airgas Inc. (NYSE: ARG), Radnor, PA, distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and related products, has agreed to acquire The Encompass Gas Group Inc., Rockford, IL.
With 11 locations and more than 130 employees in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, Encompass is a distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases and related hardgoods in the U.S., generating $55 million in annual sales in 2012.
"The Encompass Gas Group is among the most respected companies in the U.S. packaged gas industry, and we are very excited for their associates and customers to join the Airgas family," said Airgas Executive Chairman Peter McCausland.
"Encompass has been family owned and operated since its founding in 1955 as Rockford Industrial Welding Supply. Doing what's best for our customers and associates has always been our top priority," said Gary Bertrand, president and CEO of The Encompass Gas Group.