Praxair Distribution acquires Rite Weld Supply Inc.

Praxair Distribution, Inc. has announced it has acquired Rite Weld Supply, Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas.

Rite Weld is a leading regional independent distributor of industrial, medical, specialty gases and related welding equipment and supplies. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Rite Weld operates cylinder filling plants in Gainesville and Fort Worth, Texas and three retail stores in Denton and Bridgeport, Texas and Madill, Oklahoma. The business generated sales of $14 million in 2006 and has 48 employees.

$quot;The acquisition of Rite Weld to our existing network in North Central Texas further strengthens Praxair’s ability to serve customers throughout this important region,$quot; said Praxair Distribution president Wayne Yakich. $quot;President Johnny Dowd, J&L partners and the Rite Weld employees have created a premier business and are strongly committed to customer service.$quot;