Airgas continues acquisition trend, buys two companies

Airgas Inc. announced December 4 that it has acquired the assets and operations of Southern Welding Supply Inc., based in northern Alabama, and Alpena Supply Company, headquartered in Alpena, Mich. The two transactions, plus two smaller transactions effective December 1, bring the total number of acquisitions in fiscal 2007 to 10, with acquired sales now topping $140 million.

Southern Welding Supply, an industrial gas and welding supply distributor with four locations in Tarrant, Pelham, Decatur and Tuscaloosa, Ala., generated $15 million in revenue in the 12 months ended June 30. The operations have been integrated into Airgas South, one of 13 regional companies within Airgas.

In the Michigan acquisition, Airgas Great Lakes will integrate four locations in Alpena, Gaylord, Charlevoix and Petoskey, Mich., constituting the Welding Division of Alpena Supply Company and its Northern Michigan Welding Supply affiliate, which collectively totaled more than $4 million in annual revenues.

The company, which has been in business for more than 60 years, also operates a plumbing, heating, and pipes, valves, and fittings (PVF) division, which will remain with the owner, William Kelly, and will continue to operate as Alpena Supply Company – PVF Division.

Two smaller transactions, with total acquired sales of less than $2 million, also closed effective December 1.