Linde Canada Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, has acquired Distribution Equiprotek, an independent safety equipment distributor headquartered in Chicoutimi, Quebec.

Linde Canada is an affiliate of Linde North America, Inc., and a member of The Linde Group, a global gases and engineering company.

"The acquisition of Distribution Equiprotek strengthens Linde Canada's ability to supply safety products to municipal, industrial and commercial customers in Quebec, which is a key market for our extensive line of safety products," said Chris Ebeling, vice president and general manager for Linde Canada.

The Distribution Equiprotek operation will be integrated into Linde Canada's branch in Chicoutimi.

Linde Canada specializes in industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as welding and cutting equipment and safety supplies.