Air Liquide will spend $13.4 billion to acquire industrial gas supplier Airgas Inc. Radnor, Pa.

The deal, in which Airgas will become a wholly owned subsidiary, will position France’s Air Liquide for future growth, says the company. It will provide Air Liquide with a stronger presence

In the United States, Airgas’ leadership in the packaged gases business and associated products and services complements Air Liquide’s footprint in complementary activities, say the companies.