Air Liquide Canada Acquires Ontario-based Unitec York Inc.

Air Liquide Canada, a subsidiary of Air Liquide Group, the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, announced today it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Unitec York Inc. and the Universal division of Stangl Holdings Limited (Unitec). Specializing in the distribution of industrial gases, welding equipment and propane, Unitec is a family-owned organization established in 1969 by Joe Stangl. Unitec has one filling plant located in Concord, Ontario, and 7 outlets mainly located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

“We are very pleased with the acquisition of Unitec. It significantly strengthens our presence in the GTA, a market representing substantial growth potential, and creates immediate value as we have complementary customer bases,” said Air Liquide Canada’s President and CEO, Luc Doyon. “In addition to enhancing our overall market position in Ontario, we will be able to count on employees who have extensive distribution expertise and knowledge of the GTA market. Unitec’s reputation as a service-oriented and quality-conscious organization is a welcomed addition to Air Liquide Canada’s existing network.”   

Richard Stangl, son of founder Joe Stangl, will remain with the company in order to assist with the integration, ensure its development over the long term and to make the integrated network more efficient in Ontario.

Information: 
Air Liquide Canada
Daniel Richard
Manager, Communications
514-846-7735  

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with 43,600 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide’s activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates to enable progress, to achieve dynamic growth and a consistent performance.

Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry’s energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, homecare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.  

A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide’s teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.  

Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its sustainable development approach. In 2010, the Group’s revenues amounted to €13.5 billion, of which more than 80% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.