Major French industrial gases group Air Liquide has expanded its healthcare business in Japan with the acquisition of Sogo Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha (SSKK). Financial terms were not disclosed.

Air Liquide said SSKK has a strong presence in the home healthcare and medical gases markets, especially in the Tokyo region where it serves more than 2,000 hospitals and clinics and home treatment for patients suffering from respiratory conditions. The acquisition boosts the number of patients Air Liquide serves at home in Japan to 20,000.

Worldwide, Japan ranks as the third-largest respiratory home healthcare market after the US and France, according to the French group, which expects Japanese home healthcare services to continue increasing, supported by a robust healthcare system and social welfare coverage reaching nearly 100% of the population.

SSKK has more than 150 employees and generated revenue of roughly €27 million in 2016.

In January, Air Liquide entered the Colombian home healthcare sector after acquiring a majority stake in Oxymaster, strengthening its presence in South America and adding to businesses in Brazil, Argentina and Chile.