Air Liquide’s Bet on South Korea
Air Liquide CEO François Jackow called the purchase transformational, noting Korea’s status as a global leader in semiconductors and clean energy.
“Korea is leading the next waves of development in key sectors like the semiconductor industry, clean energy and mobility,” Jackow said.
The deal will complement Air Liquide’s existing operations in South Korea and cement its foothold in one of the world’s largest manufacturing economies.
The Bigger Energy Picture
South Korea’s industrial growth is only set to accelerate. A 2024 study from the Korea Energy Economics Institute projected the nation’s primary energy demand will climb 2% in 2024 and another 0.5% in 2025, largely fueled by its expanding manufacturing sector.
Air Liquide, already a global leader in gases, is betting heavily that Korea’s hunger for innovation — and energy — will keep demand soaring.
Neither Air Liquide nor Macquarie provided immediate comment beyond the deal announcement.
