Why This Matters to Distributors: Consolidation in industrial gas distribution continues as private equity-backed platforms acquire independent regional distributors to expand geographic coverage and strengthen local customer relationships. Meritus’ latest acquisition builds its presence in one of the nation’s largest manufacturing markets while continuing a strategy of preserving local brands and management teams.
Meritus Gas Partners has expanded its Texas footprint with the acquisition of Metroplex Welding Supply, adding an established distributor of industrial gases and welding supplies serving the Dallas-Fort Worth market.
New York-based Meritus announced July 31 that it acquired Dallas-based Metroplex. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1975, Metroplex operates five locations serving customers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The company distributes industrial gases, welding supplies and related products to manufacturers and other industrial customers across North Texas. It is led by president Mike Bush Jr., Tom Bush, and general manager Jack Robbins.
The acquisition strengthens Meritus’ position in one of the country’s largest industrial markets and advances its strategy of building a national network of independent industrial gas distributors through acquisitions.
Metroplex will continue operating under its existing name, with its leadership team remaining in place.
Meritus said it will continue operating Metroplex as a locally managed business while providing additional resources through its national platform.
Founded in 2020, Meritus is assembling a nationwide network of distributors specializing in industrial, medical and specialty gases, along with welding and safety supplies. Backed by private equity firm AEA Enterprise, the company has expanded through acquisitions while allowing local distributors to retain their brands, management teams, and customer relationships.
The Metroplex acquisition follows several recent additions to the Meritus platform, including Greens Welding Supply in the Dallas-Fort Worth market and HICO Distributing of Colorado in the Denver area, underscoring the company’s continued expansion in key industrial regions.
The transaction reflects the ongoing consolidation of the industrial gas distribution sector as private equity-backed companies pursue scale through acquisitions of regional distributors with established customer relationships and recurring demand from manufacturing, construction, and maintenance markets.
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