AEA Investors-backed Meritus Gas Partners, an independent distributor for a wide assortment of welding and gas supplies, agreed to acquire Advanced Gases, an independent distributor of packaged gases and welding supplies headquartered in Sacramento. Financial terms were not disclosed. "Advanced Gases is a great fit for Meritus, and we are excited to welcome Mike Hamilton, his wife Myriam Simental and their dedicated employees into the Meritus family. Advanced Gases is well-regarded in the Sacramento area for its commitment to product quality and responsive customer service. We are confident that we can expand Advanced Gases' capabilities and reach into new markets, including university research and food and beverage. Advanced Gases furthers our strategy to expand our presence in the West and provides Meritus with another building block upon which to build a diverse industrial gas business in Northern California," Scott Kaltrider, Meritus Chairman.