US regulators require Linde, Praxair to divest holdings to allow massive merger

US regulators on Monday gave the go-ahead for US Praxair Inc and German Linde AG to create the world's largest industrial gas supplier, but will require them to divest nine business units.

The US Federal Trade Commission said the USD 80 billion merger of the world's second and third largest supplier of oxygen, helium, carbon dioxide and other gases, would hinder competition.

But the merger will win approval provided Linde divests Messer Group GmbH and Matheson Tri-Gas Inc, including numerous North American facilities, the FTC said in a statement.

"Praxair and Linde have agreed to divest the required facilities within four months of signing the Agreement Containing Consent Orders," the FTC said.

"Until the divestitures to Messer and Matheson are accomplished, Linde and Praxair are prohibited from integrating their operations anywhere in the world."