Deal expands Messer in Singapore and southern Malaysia
Messer has acquired WKS Group, a Singapore-based industrial gas platform with operations across Singapore and southern Malaysia. The deal expands Messer’s presence in Southeast Asia and adds a business founded in Singapore in 1977.
WKS Group comprises six companies and employs about 195 people across Singapore and southern Malaysia. Transaction terms were not disclosed.
The purchase strengthens Messer’s access to key industrial clusters across the region. Messer is the world’s largest privately held specialist for industrial, medical, electronic and specialty gases.
In its 2025 financial year, Messer reported consolidated sales of about EUR 4.5 billion. That revenue gives the group more scale as it grows in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Wong Koh Hoi, a shareholder of WKS Group, called Messer “an excellent partner for WKS Group” because of its strategic vision. He also thanked JCAI for its work during the sale process.
WKS Group and JCAI details
Japan Corporate Advisory Institute, Ltd., or JCAI, advised WKS Group shareholders on the cross-border transaction. JCAI is headquartered in Tokyo and focuses on deals across Japan, Southeast Asia and India.
The firm advises business owners, corporates and investors on strategic M&A transactions across APAC. Its head office is at Holland Hills Mori Tower 13F, 5-11-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
JCAI’s representative director is Takahiro Jono. The firm also operates SPEED M&A in Japan and BizBank in ASEAN.
Those two platforms support one of Japan’s largest M&A networks, with more than 20,000 members. JCAI also focuses on the Japan-Southeast Asia-India corridor.
Meanwhile, JCAI managing partner Olimjon Sadinov said investors are increasingly seeking opportunities across Asia. He said reliable market intelligence and the right counterparties now play a key role in successful M&A outcomes.
Sadinov added that JCAI aims to improve transparency in APAC private markets through a structured cross-border M&A process.
Following the acquisition, Messer increases its operating footprint in Singapore and southern Malaysia. As a result, the group adds local staff, six companies and a business with nearly five decades of history since 1977.
