Irish home healthcare firm Baywater has been snapped up by French multinational Air Liquide for an undisclosed sum.

Dublin-based Baywater specialises in treating and monitoring respiratory diseases in the patient’s home

It has 50 employees and cares for 10,000 patients, generating revenue of more than €12 million.

The move expands Air Liquide, better known as an industrial gas producer, presence in Europe’s growing home healthcare business.

"The acquisition of this company, which is recognized for its expertise in the treatment of respiratory diseases and for its culture of innovation, is part of Air Liquide's growth strategy for the home healthcare business. It will allow us to develop on a new growth market in Europe, " Air Liquide's vice-president Pascal Vinet said.