Buckeye Welding Supply, a subsidiary of Meritus Gas Partners, has acquired HICO Distributing of Colorado, strengthening its position in the industrial gas market. The deal adds specialized helium solutions capabilities to Buckeye's existing portfolio of welding supplies and industrial gases.

Based in Henderson, Colorado, Buckeye operates as an industrial gas and welding supply company serving regional markets. HICO, founded in 1993 by Wyatt and Vanessa Wilkinson, brings decades of experience in helium distribution and applications. The acquisition establishes Buckeye's fourth location in Englewood, Colorado, expanding geographic reach.

This move signals growing demand for helium across manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors, where the gas is essential for cooling MRI machines, semiconductor production, and welding applications. AEA Enterprise backs Meritus Gas Partners as part of its portfolio strategy.

The consolidation reflects broader trends in industrial gas distribution, where scale and specialized capabilities drive competitive advantage. Helium shortages in recent years have made reliable supply chains particularly valuable for distributors.