MISSISSAUGA—Linde Canada Limited has purchased the shares of two Quebec-based industrial gas companies — Oxygene Sorel-Tracy (OST) and Soudure Industrielle du Richelieu Metropolitain Inc. (SIRM).

Both companies are located in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, and have been supplying industrial gases, welding equipment and services to customers in the area for decades.

OST was established in 1980 and sells gases to heavy industry, while SIRM has 40 years of experience selling welding hardgoods, renting welders and repairing welders, cutting torches and gas regulators.

This acquisition gives Linde greater presence in that region of Quebec, stated Chris Ebeling, vice president and general manager for Linde Canada.

The companies are located just 70 kilometers northeast of the Linde fill plant in Montreal and gives us a competitive edge in serving industrial customers in that market. SIRMs rental and repair business presents a step out opportunity for Linde. Also, SIRMs operation is scalable and allows other Linde branches to take advantage of its rental and repair expertise.

Linde Canada specializes in industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as welding and cutting equipment and safety supplies, and is an affiliate of Linde North America.

www.linde.com