Widespread reports this morning are suggesting that talks could be back on the table between Praxair Inc. and The Linde Group regarding a merger of equals that would redefine the structure of the global industrial gases business for the second time in the last 12 months.
Praxair has issued a brief statement confirming that it has approached Linde AG about resuming discussions. Linde confirmed it is reviewing the proposal.
News of preliminary discussions between the two companies broke in August this year, creating a flurry of speculation. The ink had barely dried on another game-changing acquisition in the industry; talks came just weeks after fellow Tier One player Air Liquide had itself closed the $13.4bn acquisition of Airgas, Inc.
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