Published: July 25, 2024 |

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Adenia Partners has completed the acquisition of Air Liquide’s operations in 12 African countries, giving birth to Erium, the first pan-African leader in industrial and medical gases.

Effective immediately, Erium will replace the Air Liquide brand in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Madagascar, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, and Togo.

Erium continues a legacy that began more than 90 years ago in Africa. The newly formed company is dedicated to upholding and strengthening the ethical, safety, and quality commitments established by Air Liquide. For example, Erium maintains some of the highest quality standards, including ISO9001 and FSSC22000, and benefits from a technical cooperation agreement with Air Liquide.

The acquisition, which was first announced in March, formally closed on July 22. It marks the latest in a series of controlling-stake deals and acquisitions by Adenia, a leading private equity firm which has focused on growth opportunities in Africa for over 20 years.

“The birth of Erium is remarkable in more ways than one. It is the culmination of an acquisition project by an African entity from an international actor; a large-scale project covering a vast geographical area and involving activities essential to the development of the continent,” said Christophe Scalbert, partner at Adenia.

“Above all, though, it is the beginning of an exciting future due to the growth prospects it offers; growth that we are committed to fully supporting for the benefit of employees, customers, and the local economic fabric,” added Scalbert.

The launch of the new Erium brand signifies the beginning of a new era for its assets. Erium leadership, supported by Adenia, aims to deliver value for the full spectrum of stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, and local communities.

The [R] sound evokes “air,” highlighting the essential natural resource integral to many gas solutions. Meanwhile, the [IUM] lettering suggests the scientific foundation of gases and materials, as well as premium quality and optimal solutions. Erium’s international name is both serious and robust, yet simple and accessible, embodying historical expertise and new agility. 

Now a 100 percent African entity, Erium aims to position itself as an agile leader, closely attuned to the needs of its customers and their regions.

To achieve these goals, Erium will:
• Accelerate its industrial investments up to $32.6 million (EUR$30 million) over the next five years.
• Enhance local production autonomy by building air separation and CO2 liquefaction plants.
• Prioritize skill development for its 400 employees, including both sales and technical staff.
• Adopt a short, simple, and quick decision-making process.
• Establish local governance that is close to the field and transformative.

Erium has appointed Georges Decrop as executive chairman of the board. Working alongside the future CEO, Georges Decrop will strategically support the managing directors of each country, analyzing processes and proposing structural transformations to accelerate value creation for customers.

“Our new name, Erium, represents the first essential step in our transformation. While our business, teams, ethical standards, quality, and safety remain steadfast, a new era is upon us,” said Georges Decrop, executive chairman of the board of Erium.

“I am honored to guide our 12 countries towards higher service levels, increased agility, and autonomy, directly addressing the needs of our customers and our African continent,” added Decrop.

In mid-October 2024 the company will unveil and deploy the new logo and communication campaign

Erium is the leading pan-African group in industrial and medical gases in West and Central Africa and Madagascar. Formerly part of Air Liquide, Erium has been present in 12 African countries for more than 90 years. Erium offers its 12,000 clients around fifty gas solutions in the mining, oil, agro-food, infrastructure, and health sectors. Its 400 employees are spread across 21 sites and operate 40 plants. Erium is financially and strategically supported by Adenia Partners, a recognized investor in Africa for more than 20 years, which is investing up to $32.6 million (EUR$30 million) in the next five years to accelerate the development of its activities. Erium has also signed a technical cooperation agreement with Air Liquide.

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