The French industrial gas supplier Air Liquide S.A. has announced its acquisition of Sasol, Business Wire reported. Sasol is the world’s largest oxygen producer located in Secunda, South Africa.
Benoit Potier is the chairman and CEO of Air Liquide.
Although the Potier-led company has been in partnership with Sasol for 40 years, the acquisition now gives Air Liquide complete control over the facility.
“The finalization of this deal is a key milestone in our ambition to work together with Sasol, our partner for 40 years, to combine operational efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions while making a meaningful contribution to the economy of South Africa,” Potier said. Following the acquisition, the company has further absorbed employees from Sasol.
Air Liquide plans to reduce CO2 emissions in South Africa by 30 percent to 40 percent within the next 10 years. “In line with our strategy, and with our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, this operation demonstrates our resolve to act now in favor of the climate and local ecosystems,” Potier said.
Air Liquide supplies industrial gas and services to various industries, including medical, chemical and electronic manufacturers. Headquartered in Paris, France, it has major sites in Japan and Houston and Newark, Frankfurt, Shanghai and Dubai.
