Meritus Expands M&A Team

Meritus Gas Partners (“Meritus”) has expanded its Mergers and Acquisition team with the addition of key personnel in an effort to bolster its acquisition efforts. “Our full funnel of partner candidates – comprised of both potential platform companies in geographies where Meritus does not yet have a presence as well as tuck-in opportunities for our operating company partners – requires a larger team to keep pace with the overwhelming demand,” said Rob D’Alessandro, Meritus Vice Chairman.

“Our full funnel of partner candidates requires a larger team to keep pace with the overwhelming demand.”

Rob D’Alessandro

Steve Byers joins Meritus as Vice President – M&A. Byers has over 30 years of experience in the industrial gas industry. He began his career working for his family’s independent distributor in northern California, spent many years at Praxair Distribution, Inc. in key leadership roles, including as Vice President, Acquisitions, and held leadership roles at regional distributors WestAir (President) and American Welding & Gas (Senior VP and COO) and most recently cryogenic equipment supplier Ratermann Manufacturing (Vice President). “We felt strongly that Steve was the best industry candidate to serve in this critical position for Meritus,” said D’Alessandro. “Steve has developed broad industry experience and an extensive network of relationships through his 30+ year career and we are looking forward to his continued success with us.”

Marv Rodgers joins the M&A team as Director – Integrations. Marv was the co-founder and President of Airco Gases, Inc. and partnered with Meritus in January 2024. Previously, he owned and operated Alliance Welding Supplies, Inc. in northern California and sold that business to Tech Air in 2018. “In order to better support our newly acquired businesses as they join Meritus, Marv will be a dedicated resource to transition our new partners into the Meritus family and get them successfully launched as a Meritus partner,” said D’Alessandro. “Marv has already been an important contributor to our ongoing integration of our recent acquisitions in North Texas and has exhibited his broad business and industry knowledge when consulted on recent acquisition projects.”

Michael Stelma joins the M&A team as Director – Acquisitions. Stelma joins Director-Acquisitions Lucas Skaras in managing acquisition projects from evaluation through letter of intent, due diligence and closing. Stelma served as a financial consultant to Meritus partner Advanced Gases & Equipment. Stelma is a former United States Marine and graduate of UCLA’s MBA program; he worked most recently as a Consultant at EY-Parthenon in their Value Creation Practice.

Industry veteran Dave Marek rounds out the M&A team. “In his Business Development role, Dave maintains relationships with potential partners and engages with inbound opportunities as they materialize,” said D’Alessandro.