Paris, France 9/27/07; 11/5/07—Air Liquide has purchased the assets of Scott Specialty Gases, a supplier of mixed and pure high specialty gases to the analytical, medical and electronics markets, as well as gas handling equipment and gas delivery systems. Based in Plumsteadville, Pennsylvania, Scott Specialty Gases has annual sales of around $88 million and employs 450 people. Air Liquide stated that the transaction will grow its US presence, particularly in the Middle Atlantic, North Central and Pacific regions.

According to Air Liquide, the US market for specialty gases, which includes laboratory gases, is valued at $1.3 billion, growing at 6% per year, with the laboratory and analytical sector accounting for approximately 56% of the market.