BERLIN, Oct 2, 2008 (AFP) - The German group Linde, world leader in industrial gases, said Thursday it had taken full control of the Australian company Elgas for 126 million euros (175 million dollars).

Linde bought the outstanding stake in Elgas from AGL Energy, which co-owned the Australian specialist in liquified gases with Linde.

Elgas was created in 1984 and posted sales of 225 million euros in 2007.

It employs 460 people, Linde said.