Praxair Distribution, Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), Danbury, CT, has acquired Harlingen, TX-based Acetylene Oxygen Company (AOC). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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AOC, a distributor of Praxair industrial gases, has 24 locations in central and southern Texas, including 4 cylinder filling plants. The acquisition allows Praxair to further expand its packaged gases presence in Texas, having recently acquired two independent distributors in the second half of 2011 that serve the Houston area, National Alloy and Texas Welders Supply Company.

AOC’s sales, technical support and related services are largely directed to the energy sector and complement Praxair’s broader pipeline and bulk liquid gas offering to global refinery and petrochemical customers along the Gulf Coast.

\”The acquisition of AOC expands Praxair’s capabilities to supply industrial and specialty gases, equipment and services to our customers,\” said John Panikar, president, Praxair Distribution. \”Additionally, AOC’s presence along the U.S.-Mexico border enables Praxair to better serve customers in this region.\”