French industrial gases producer Air Liquide has strengthened its presence in the South American healthcare market through the acquisition of a majority stake in Brazil’s Vic Pharma.

Air Liquide’s hygiene and hospital disinfection subsidiary Schülke has taken a 75% stake in the company for an undisclosed sum.

Vic Pharma is the second biggest independent player in Brazil’s hygiene market, offering a broad range of products for disinfecting surfaces, instruments and medical devices, as well as antiseptic solutions for pre- or post-operative care.

The company is located in Taquaritinga, Sao Paulo, and has more than 100 employees. It generated revenue of around €8 million in 2015.