Messer and CVC closed the $3.6bn acquisition of the majority in American business of Linde Group, a global leader in the international industrial gases market. “In creating this strategic partnership, we are seizing a unique opportunity to return to the North and South American markets. This will turn Messer into a global player in this sector and consolidate its position as the largest family-run industrial gases specialist worldwide. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Stefan Messer, Messer Group, owner and CEO.