Bristol-based international speciality chemicals and gases firm A-Gas has continued its expansion in the US by acquiring a refrigeration recovery business.
Phoenix, Arizona, headquartered Rapid Recovery operates 40 branches across the US.
Each site provides a full suite of on-site recovery and cylinder services to the refrigeration and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) sectors. 
The acquisition will enable A-Gas to extend its current offering in the refrigeration market to provide an end-to-end supply and reclamation service to its customers.
A-Gas, which operates in the UK, Europe, South Africa, Australia, Asia and the Americas, specialises in the supply and lifecycle management of chemicals and gases for end users across a range of sectors including commercial refrigeration, aviation, automotive and industrials.
Its latest transaction marks its sixth acquisition – and the third in the US – since LDC, the leading mid-market private equity firm, backed the business in a deal worth £70m in 2011.
Rapid Recovery will continue to trade under its own brand with its management team Adam and Rich Dykstra continuing to lead the company under A-Gas Americas CEO Monte Roach.
The acquisition will add another 62 employees to A-Gas’ US arm, bringing its global headcount to around 350, with a combined turnover of £110m.
A-Gas group CEO Andrew Ambrose said: “With the logistical challenges faced in the US market, the opportunity to add a recovery service to our business model means we can now provide our customers with a full service solution, whilst increasing our scale and presence across the country.
“LDC’s backing has been integral to our successes to date, providing us with the financial and strategic support to drive our growth and capitalise on market opportunities both in the UK and in our overseas territories.”
LDC Midlands investment director Chris Handy added: “Over the last five years, A-Gas’ rate and scale of acquisitions both at home and overseas represents the clear ambition of its management team to solidify its position as a major global player in its industry. Its latest move is a clear statement of intent, as it looks to drive market share through the growth of its service offering.”
In 2o12 A-Gas bought Houston, Texas-based refrigeration supplier and distributor Coolgas and Ohio-based refrigerant reclaimer and halocarbon management specialist RemTec International.
