Meritus Gas Partners Forms Strategic Alliance with Oxygen Service Company
Meritus Gas Partners Forms Strategic Alliance with Oxygen Service Company
On March 10, 2025, Meritus Gas Partners announced a significant partnership with Oxygen Service Company (OSC), a prominent independent distributor of packaged gases and welding supplies located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Though the financial details of this partnership remain undisclosed, the implications for both parties are considerable.
Founded in 1959, OSC has grown into a fully employee-owned business with multiple locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin. They provide an extensive range of products and services, from industrial and specialty gases to welding supplies and automation equipment. This broad product offering is complemented by their strong commitment to exceptional customer service, fostering a diverse customer base in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and food and beverage.
Vision for the Future
Ryan Diekow, OSC's President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Our success is directly attributable to the efforts of our dedicated employee owners and a deeply committed senior management team.” He emphasized the alignment of OSC's values with Meritus', particularly in maintaining OSC’s operational integrity and legacy.
Diekow further noted, “When contemplating OSC's future, it was critical for us to ensure that our business remains true to its roots.” The Meritus model allows OSC to operate independently while simultaneously being part of a larger network. This partnership is especially unique as it encourages employee ownership and co-investment, thereby promoting a culture of shared success.
Meritus’ Commitment
Scott Kaltrider, Chairman of Meritus Gas Partners, echoed Diekow's views, highlighting OSC as an exemplary platform company within the Meritus family. “OSC is known for its strong focus on customer service and its consistent growth, driven by a carefully articulated vision and strategic plan.” Kaltrider noted that OSC's existing employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is in perfect harmony with Meritus' goal of deep employee engagement and ownership.
This partnership not only broadens Meritus' geographic reach into Minnesota and Wisconsin but also lays the groundwork for further expansion into the Midwest region of the U.S. Kaltrider remarked, “These states have diverse markets with a concentration on manufacturing and a promising economic outlook.” He also acknowledged OSC's history of investments in its infrastructure and capabilities in gas production and distribution, suggesting that OSC is well-positioned for continued growth, potentially through strategic acquisitions.
Looking Forward
Additionally, Diekow shared his excitement about becoming part of the national network offered by Meritus, stating, “Being a member of Meritus means we can tap into more resources and leverage their expertise to accelerate our growth.” He is keen on sharing OSC’s best practices with other partners within the Meritus umbrella, further enhancing collaborative growth potential.
About Meritus Gas Partners
Meritus Gas Partners, established in December 2020, focuses on building a national network of high-quality independent distributors of gases and welding supplies, serving various end markets. Backed by AEA Investors Small Business Private Equity, Meritus aims to allow its partners to remain independent while driving accelerated growth.
About AEA Investors
Founded in 1968 by prominent family interests, AEA Investors has cultivated a strong global network consisting of business leaders and industrial families. With a capital management portfolio of approximately $19 billion, AEA operates across multiple investment strategies, including leveraged buyouts, growth, and private debt investments.
In summary, the partnership between Meritus Gas Partners and Oxygen Service Company embodies a model that aligns with modern business practices while prioritizing sustainability and employee ownership. As both companies move forward, their shared commitment to quality and service positions them for success in an evolving market landscape.
Topics General Business）
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