Meritus Gas Partners expands M&A team to drive growth and integration

Meritus Gas Partners has added three new team members to its mergers and acquisition (M&A) team as it looks to expand the growing distribution platform further.

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.

Rob D’Alessandro, Vice-Chairman of Meritus, said, “Our full funnel of partner candidates – comprised of both potential platform companies in geographies where Meritus does not yet have a presence as well as tuck-in opportunities for our operating company partners – requires a larger team to keep pace with the demand.”

Byers brings over 30 years of experience in the industrial gas business to the role, having most recently served as vice-president of cryogenic equipment supplier Ratermann Manufacturing.

Before Rattermann, he held various leadership roles at Praxair Distributor, WestAir Gases and American Welding & Gas, in addition to having worked for his family’s independent distributor business in California.

Welcoming Byers to the team, D’Alessandro, said, “We felt strongly that Steve was the best industry candidate to serve in this critical position for Meritus. Steve has developed broad industry experience and an extensive network of relationships through his 30+ year career and we are looking forward to his continued success with us.”

Rodgers will ensure that newly acquired businesses are better supported at Meritus.

Previously, he was the co-founder and president of Airco Gases, which partnered with Meritus in January 2024. He also owned and operated Alliance Welding Supplies, before selling the business to Tech Air in 2018.

Read more: Dallas-based Airco Gases Southwest partners with Meritus Gas Partners 

D’Alessandro, said, “Marv will be a dedicated resource to transition our new partners into the Meritus family and get them successfully launched as a Meritus partner.”

“He has already been an important contributor to our ongoing integration of our recent acquisitions in North Texas and has exhibited his broad business and industry knowledge when consulted on recent acquisition projects.”

Finally, Stelma joins the M&A team as Director of Acquisitions, joining existing team member and fellow Director of Acquisitions, Lucas Skaras. Together, the pair will manage acquisition projects from evaluation through letter of intent, due diligence and closing.

Prior to taking on the role, Stelma was a financial consultant to Meritus partner Advanced Gases & Equipment.

Industry veteran Dave Marek rounds out the M&A team. “In his Business Development role, Dave maintains relationships with potential partners and engages with inbound opportunities as they materialise,” said D’Alessandro.