Meritus Gas Partners announced a new partnership with OXARC, Inc. on April 8, 2023. The deal will expand Meritus’ presence in the Western United States while allowing OXARC to maintain its independence and brand. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Who are Meritus Gas Partners and OXARC, Inc.?
Meritus Gas Partners is a private equity firm that invests in midstream and downstream energy infrastructure. The company has a history of partnering with leading companies in the energy industry to support growth and development.
OXARC, Inc. is one of the largest independent distributors of industrial and specialty gases, welding and safety supplies in the United States. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Spokane, WA. OXARC has 20 locations across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho and serves customers in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.
What is the Partnership All About?
The partnership between Meritus Gas Partners and OXARC, Inc. will allow Meritus to expand its presence in the Pacific Northwest. OXARC has a strong reputation in the region and its expansive bulk and packaged gas capabilities are unique for a distributor.
For OXARC, the partnership with Meritus affords two generations of Walmsley owners to retire and monetize their investments, while allowing the company to remain under the direction of the family’s third generation. Jenna Fitzgerald, granddaughter of founder Jerry Walmsley, and Jason Kirby will continue to lead the business while holding significant equity ownership in Meritus.
“We will maintain OXARC’s independence and brand and remain committed to our dedicated employees and loyal customers,” said Fitzgerald.
Meritus Chairman Scott Kaltrider added, “OXARC represents a platform opportunity for Meritus to serve the Pacific Northwest, one of the most diverse and growing economies in the country. OXARC is poised for extraordinary growth, and we are looking forward to supporting Jenna, Jason, and their employees on this path.”
What Does This Mean for the Pacific Northwest?
The partnership between Meritus Gas Partners and OXARC, Inc. is expected to generate significant growth opportunities for Meritus in the Pacific Northwest. The region is known for its diverse and growing economy, and OXARC’s reputation and capabilities make it an attractive partner for expansion.
Furthermore, the partnership could lead to further capital investment, follow-on acquisitions, and expansion into new geographies and markets. The collaboration between Meritus and OXARC also provides an opportunity for networking among other Meritus operating companies to share best practices, take advantage of buying relationships, and exchange customer leads.
What’s Next for Meritus Gas Partners and OXARC, Inc.?
The partnership between Meritus Gas Partners and OXARC, Inc. is a significant development for both companies. Meritus will be able to expand its presence in the Pacific Northwest and support the growth of a leading distributor in the region. OXARC, Inc. will continue to operate under the direction of the Walmsley family’s third generation while benefitting from the resources and expertise of Meritus Gas Partners.
As the two companies move forward, they will need to continue to adhere to journalistic ethics and deliver accurate reporting to ensure that their customers, employees, and stakeholders can rely on them for reliable information and expert analysis.
In Conclusion
The partnership between Meritus Gas Partners and OXARC, Inc. is a significant development for the energy industry in the Pacific Northwest. It will allow Meritus to expand its presence in the region and support the growth of a leading distributor of industrial and specialty gases, welding and safety supplies. The partnership will also enable OXARC, Inc. to maintain its independence and brand while benefiting from the resources and expertise of Meritus Gas Partners. This collaboration provides a platform for both companies to achieve growth and success while maintaining their commitment to their customers, employees, and stakeholders.
The partnership between Meritus Gas Partners and OXARC, Inc. represents a significant opportunity for the energy industry in the Pacific Northwest. It will be interesting to see how the two companies work together to achieve their goals and what other developments may arise in the coming months and years.
