Meritus Gas Partners has partnered with Gulf Coast Gas & Equipment (Gulf Coast Gas), a Texas-based independent distributor of packages gases, bulk gases, and welding supplies.
The addition of Gulf Coast Gas to Meritus will expand the independent distributor platform’s footprint in southern Texas, Houston, and the ship channel.
Gulf Coast Gas serves the greater Houston area from its gas production and distribution facility and retail store in Houston, Texas.
Scot Kaltrider, Chairman of Meritus, said, “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 US, and Gulf Coast Gas marks our 26th acquisition since our founding.”
Gulf Coast Gas’ owners, Robert Poulter and Brent Lacy, will continue to lead the business following the transaction and will maintain equity ownership in Meritus.
Poulter and Lacy founded Gulf Coast Gas in 2017 to fill a void in the Houston area following significant consolidation among independent gas distributors.
“We saw an opportunity and, along with our dedicated employees, grew the business successfully. We chose Meritus as a partner to ensure Gulf Coast Gas continues to grow to new levels,” Poulter said.
The two owners are excited for new opportunities as part of Meritus.
Lacy added, “Meritus has a unique offering, as we can preserve our company’s brand and legacy and be a member of a larger, more diversified business. We are excited to be joining Meritus and look forward to utilising Meritus’ resources and expertise to accelerate our growth and better serve our customers in the region.”
Earlier this month, Meritus added three new team members to its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team as it looks to expand the growing distribution platform further.
Read more: Meritus Gas Partners expands M&A team to drive growth and integration
Steve Byers has joined as Vice-President of M&A, Marv Rodgers has joined the M&A team as Director of Integrations, and Michael Stelma has joined as Director of Acquisitions on the M&A team.
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