First Healthcare acquisition in India

India, an Asian giant with a population of over one billion, is experiencing rapid growth in its health needs. Through its subsidiary Taema, Air Liquide has acquired Electrocare Systems, a company specializing in medical equipment for respiratory care. Based in Chennai (Madras), in the south of India, Electrocare manufactures respirators for intensive care and anesthesia, as well as medical air generators. It is also a distributor-partner of Taema, an Air Liquide company that specializes in such equipment.

Electrocare is present in 1,500 Indian public and private hospitals and is the leader in intensive care in India. With around one hundred employees and 22 technical and sales agencies, Electrocare, created in 1988, is recognized today for its quality of service, its professionalism and its contribution to the development of intensive care in India.

This acquisition gives Air Liquide access to leading-edge expertise in India and provides a solid basis for the continuing development of its respiratory activities (medical gases and homecare) in this country, both in hospitals and in the home.

Jean-Marc de Royere, member of the Air Liquide Executive Committee, in charge of the Healthcare World Business Line, declared: “We look forward to contributing to the impressive modernization of India’s health system. This first medical acquisition in India prepares the way for the development of other medical activities in the country and prolongs the thrust into emerging economies, one of the Group’s growth drivers.”