LAKE FOREST, Calif. — After Praxair stated in December intentions to sell its U.S. home care division, the companies announced Wednesday that Apria Healthcare will acquire those assets. The acquisition will expand Apria's respiratory services footprint and enhance its managed care service capabilities, according to a release. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the first quarter, were not disclosed.
Part of the company's North American health care business, Praxair's U.S. home care division, based in Danbury, Conn., has 85 branches in 27 states and employs 1,100. The largest industrial gases company in North and South America with sales of $10 billion, Praxair will continue to supply the home care market in other countries.
"The acquisition expands Apria's service offering in several key states and enhances our prospects for both traditional and managed care growth in future years," said Norman C. Payson, MD, Apria's chairman and CEO. The giant provider currently has more than 500 locations with $2 billion in annual revenue.