Linde, the German industrial gas company, is expected to dispose of logistics business Gist once it completes its acquisition of BOC, the listed UK industrial gas company this summer. Gist, currently owned by BOC, is a key supplier of Marks and Spencer, for whom it has a dedicated staff of 2,000 and 450 vehicles. However, clauses in its contract with M&S state that the partnership could be severed by M&S should the company be sold. Other Gist customers include British Airways and Budgens, the supermarket group. German logistics firm Kuehne & Nagel has been named as a potential bidder.