Messer Group GmbH (Bad Soden, Germany) announced the completion of the acquisition of 100% of the shares in WKS Group (Singapore and Malaysia), in Wipco (Malaysia) and the signing of an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Kobewel (Malaysia).
WKS Group is a privately owned leading local player in industrial gases consisting of six companies, 195 employees, with operations in Singapore and south Malaysia. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step into the largest industrial gases market in SEA region, unlocking new growth opportunities and synergies across the region.
The WKS Group boasts a strong local reputation and a diversified portfolio of businesses, including packaged gases filling stations, dissolved acetylene plants and a distribution network of welding equipment and consumables, cylinder gas depots and specialized services for the marine and offshore industry.
Wipco Industrial Sdn Bhd is a privately owned industrial gases company established in 2000, based in Ipoh, Perak, with operations spanning northern Peninsular Malaysia. The company operates a cylinder filling station and a modern PLC-controlled dissolved acetylene (DA) production plant. With an established customer base serving the manufacturing, semiconductor, and electronics sectors, Wipco provides Messer with an immediate operational platform in one of Malaysia’s most dynamic industrial corridors — anchored by Penang’s world-class semiconductor fabrication and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
Kobewel Kogyo Gases Sdn Bhd is a privately owned packaged gases company established in 2007, operating from a modern facility in Sepang, Selangor. The company serves a diversified industrial customer base with a high proportion of direct end-user relationships. The signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Kobewel strengthens Messer’s position in the central region and enables the strategic consolidation of Messer’s existing Kuala Lumpur operations with Kobewel’s Sepang facility, creating a unified and more efficient central hub.
The acquisition of WKS Group, Wipco and Kobewel aligns with Messer’s strategic vision to expand its footprint in the SEA region, leveraging the strong growth potential of Singapore and Malaysia’s industrial gases markets. The strong local reputation and established customer relationships of these companies will enhance Messer’s ability to deliver tailored solutions to industries such as electronics, medical, and marine/offshore. The addition of WKS Group’s expertise in welding equipment distribution and marine services further diversifies Messer’s offerings, ensuring comprehensive support for customers’ evolving needs.
“This acquisition represents a milestone in our journey to become a leading player in the SEA industrial gases market,” said Peter Mohnen, CEO. “By combining WKS Group, Wipco and Kobewel’s local expertise with our global capabilities, we are well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions and drive sustainable growth in Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond.”