Lincoln Electric In Talks To Acquire Air Liquide Welding

No agreement has been reached and terms haven't been disclosed. Air Liquide said that following its acquisition of Airgas, it is now focused on its gas and services activities.

Id 28661 Lincoln Air

Cleveland, OH-based Lincoln Electric and Paris, France-based Air Liquide both announced Thursday that the companies have signed a memorendum of understanding and entered into negotiations for Lincoln Electric to acquire Air Liquide subsidiary Air Liquide Welding.

The proposed acquisition is subject to a definitive agreement with conditions and provisions, and no terms were given. The companies' brief news release stated that there is no guarantee that a transaction will occur.

Air Liquide said that following its $13.4 billion acquisition of Airgas (No. 7 on ID's Big 50 List), it is focused on its gas and services activities, along with the implementation of its NEOS company program for the 2016-2020 period.

Lincoln Electric designs, develops and manufacturers arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment. Lincoln Electric has 47 manufacturing locations, including operations in 19 countries. In 2016, Lincoln Electric had $2.3 billion in sales. 

Air Liquide Welding has approximately 2,000 employees worldwide and generated a 2016 turnover of about $370 million. 

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