Industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding and safety supplies distributor Meritus Gas Partners announced an acquisition in July, September and October in Oklahoma, Texas and California, respectively, adding to a busy year of expansion.
Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
East Bay Welding Supply
California-based East Bay is a distributor of packaged and welding supplies. The company was founded by Steve Evans and Rick
Lindgren in 1989 to “give customers an alternative to the majors.”
“They are the perfect partner to support our growth as we build out our presence in Northern California,” Meritus Vice President Steve Bogard said in an Oct. 9 news release. “Meritus partners now operate out of seven Northern California locations, and we expect to further expand our capabilities and reach into new markets.”
East Bay operates in the greater San Francisco Bay Area through its two locations — Martinez and Antioch.
Gulf Coast Gas & Equipment
Houston, TX-based Gulf Coast Gas is a distributor of packaged gases, bulk gases and welding supplies.
The company serves the greater Houston area with its production and distribution facility and retail store in Houston. Robert Poulter and Brent Lacy, both owners of the company, will continue to lead the business and will maintain equity ownership in Meritus.
“Gulf Coast Gas is the perfect partner to support our growth in southern Texas, Houston and the ship channel,” Meritus Chairman Kaltrider said in a Sept. 13 news release. “We are confident that we can expand its capabilities and reach into new markets, including university research and food and beverage. Meritus is now one of the largest independent distributors in the U.S., and Gulf Coast Gas marks our 26th acquisition since our founding.”
City Carbonic
Oklahoma City, OK-based City Carbonic is a supplier of carbon dioxide and carbonation services to the food and beverage
industries and the cannabis market.
Established in 1944, the Morgan family-owned company will be led by third-generation co-owner and President Amy Morgan Bruecks, who will continue to hold substantial equity in Meritus.
“City Carbonic has an excellent reputation in the greater Oklahoma City market, and its growth in CO2 has been exponential,” Kaltrider said in a July 9 news release. “City Carbonic and Tulsa Gas & Gear give Meritus a significant presence in Oklahoma’s two largest and growing markets.”
Meritus has operated in Oklahoma, to date, through its partner company Tulsa, OK-based Tulsa Gas & Gear.
Previous Acquisitions
Earlier in 2024, Meritus twice announced a trio of acquisitions back in June and in April.
The company is on MDM’s unranked Top Distributors List for Bases & Welding Supplies.
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