UK gases giant BOC today said its £8.2bn (€12bn) takeover by German industrial conglomerate Linde was on course as it reported a “strong trading performance” in the first half.

Industrial gases group BOC today looked poised to become the latest heavyweight British firm to be taken into foreign ownership.

Gases group BOC lifted first quarter profits by 13% today, but said its semiconductor arm continued to face challenging trading conditions.

Industrial gases group BOC today said a strong performance from its global gases operations had helped it post an 18.5% rise in half yearly operating profits to £273.8m (€408m).