MINNEAPOLIS (April 8, 2025) — Lathrop GPM recently represented Central McGowan in its merger with Minneapolis Oxygen (MO2). The transaction, which positions both companies for a shared vision of growth, innovation and exceptional client service, was announced on March 10.
Central McGowan, founded in 1947, is a leading distributor of welding and industrial equipment, gases, supplies, abrasives, safety equipment, beverage carbonation solutions and dry ice. It is also a FANUC-authorized integrator of robotic and automation solutions.
As family businesses, both Central McGowan and MO2 share legacies spanning three generations and a combined 150 years of business serving the needs of their teams and customers. The merger enables MO2, a provider of gas and welding supplies, to retain its name, identity and other elements of its business, ensuring customer continuity. As both companies grow, they will leverage their unique capabilities to come together as one team with one mission to serve customers and team members best.
Lathrop GPM has decades of experience working with closely held and family businesses, working with these clients across all aspects of general corporate, limited liability company, partnership, tax and other business matters. Through the firm’s Closely Held Business Institute, Lathrop GPM offers topical programs, networking events and educational resources focused on maximizing the overall health and sustainability of closely held and family businesses.
Lathrop GPM’s team representing Central McGowan was led by partner Ryan Gerads and associate Brittany Riehm, and included partners Brad Hintze, Rick Kubler and Kyle Hertel, counsel Jane Trueper and Kathy Shaw, associates Alex Reed and Andrea Ramos and paralegal Linette Thesing.
About Lathrop GPM LLP
Lathrop GPM is a full-service, Am Law 200 law firm with more than 360 attorneys and other legal professionals in 13 offices. Meeting the legal needs of businesses, organizations and high-net worth individuals, our attorneys provide a full spectrum of corporate legal services: corporate, tax and business transactions, labor, employment and franchise law, litigation, intellectual property, private client services, real estate, and trusts and estates. We help clients grow and succeed, anticipate trends, plan for challenges and bring their visions to life. Clients recognize Lathrop GPM for our commitment to client service, legal project management and innovative pricing capabilities. The firm is nationally recognized for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, with a Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification Plus status and Top Performer and Compass Award Winner recognitions by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. A Multilaw and Employment Law Alliance affiliate, we have the resources of more than 90 independent law firms in 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.lathropgpm.com.