-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, IVUrBoPu9pDMjkUiftid7bojHePafBQ88xa6izN9aH8hnPBLguzHEVssvqMlAiiB jZ8WHDHmLByJKTeuKpMiJg== 0000893220-06-002533.txt : 20061128 0000893220-06-002533.hdr.sgml : 20061128 20061128135716 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000893220-06-002533 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20061122 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20061128 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20061128 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000804212 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WHOLESALE-INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT [5084] IRS NUMBER: 560732648 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-09344 FILM NUMBER: 061241733 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 259 N. RADNOR-CHESTER ROAD STREET 2: SUITE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 19087 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 259 N. RADNOR-CHESTER ROAD STREET 2: SUITE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 19087 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NITROUS OXIDE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158060 IRS NUMBER: 232359281 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-03 FILM NUMBER: 061241737 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS CARBONIC INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158058 IRS NUMBER: 582298979 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-05 FILM NUMBER: 061241739 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS NOR PAC INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158052 IRS NUMBER: 911428840 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-11 FILM NUMBER: 061241744 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS GULF STATES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158050 IRS NUMBER: 521633106 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-14 FILM NUMBER: 061241747 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS DATA LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158066 IRS NUMBER: 383398137 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-16 FILM NUMBER: 061241734 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: RED D ARC INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158062 IRS NUMBER: 880259460 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NV FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-01 FILM NUMBER: 061241736 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS SPECIALTY GASES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158059 IRS NUMBER: 760182866 STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-04 FILM NUMBER: 061241738 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS MID SOUTH INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158193 IRS NUMBER: 710775603 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-12 FILM NUMBER: 061241746 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 295 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 19087 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 295 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 19087 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS SOUTH INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158049 IRS NUMBER: 521390683 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-20 FILM NUMBER: 061241748 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ATNL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158063 IRS NUMBER: 510371219 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-19 FILM NUMBER: 061241735 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS SOUTHWEST INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158054 IRS NUMBER: 742768918 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-09 FILM NUMBER: 061241742 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS NORTH CENTRAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158048 IRS NUMBER: 391845894 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-21 FILM NUMBER: 061241749 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS EAST INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158045 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WHOLESALE-CHEMICALS & ALLIED PRODUCTS [5160] IRS NUMBER: 061463355 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-24 FILM NUMBER: 061241752 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS WEST INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158055 IRS NUMBER: 951525207 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-08 FILM NUMBER: 061241741 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS SAFETY INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158056 IRS NUMBER: 232840701 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-07 FILM NUMBER: 061241740 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS MID AMERICA INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158047 IRS NUMBER: 611237230 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-22 FILM NUMBER: 061241750 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA & NEVADA INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158053 IRS NUMBER: 232491493 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-10 FILM NUMBER: 061241743 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS INTERMOUNTAIN INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158051 IRS NUMBER: 840590677 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-13 FILM NUMBER: 061241745 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AIRGAS GREAT LAKES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001158046 IRS NUMBER: 061463355 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-68722-23 FILM NUMBER: 061241751 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGASS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 BUSINESS PHONE: 6106875253 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O AIRGAS INC STREET 2: 259 NORTH RADNOR CHESTER RD STE 100 CITY: RADNOR STATE: PA ZIP: 190875283 8-K 1 w27531e8vk.htm FORM 8-K AIRGAS, INC. e8vk
 

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): November 22, 2006
AIRGAS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation) 		  1-9344
(Commission File
Number) 		  56-0732648
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
     
259 North Radnor-Chester Road, Suite 100, Radnor, PA
(Address of principal executive offices) 		  19087-5283
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (610) 687-5253
N/A
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
o   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 

 

 

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
     On November 22, 2006, Airgas, Inc. (“Airgas”) entered into a Bulk Gas Business Equity Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Holox (USA) B.V., a Netherlands private company with limited liability, Holox Inc., a Georgia corporation, and Linde Aktiengesellschaft, a German corporation (the “Guarantor”). Pursuant to the Agreement, Airgas will acquire certain of the U.S. bulk gas business assets of the Guarantor. On November 22, 2006, Airgas issued a press release announcing its entry into the Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and is incorporated herein by reference.
     Under the Agreement, Airgas has agreed to pay cash consideration of $495 million, which is subject to a customary working capital adjustment. The closing of the acquisition is conditioned upon FTC review and approval of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, and other customary closing conditions. The closing of the acquisition is expected to occur during Airgas’ fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2007.
     The foregoing description of the Agreement does not purport to be complete, but is a brief description of the terms and conditions that are material to Airgas. In addition, this description shall be qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Agreement, a copy of which will be filed with Airgas’ Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
     (a) Financial Statements: None
     (b) Pro forma financial information: None
     (c) Shell company transactions: None
     (d) Exhibits:
     Exhibit 99.1 Press Release, dated November 22, 2006, issued by Airgas, Inc.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant and Co-Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
     
AIRGAS, INC.
  AIRGAS EAST, INC.
(Registrant)
  AIRGAS GREAT LAKES, INC.
 
  AIRGAS MID AMERICA, INC.
 
  AIRGAS NORTH CENTRAL, INC.
BY: /s/ Tom Smyth             
  AIRGAS SOUTH, INC.
Tom Smyth
  AIRGAS GULF STATES, INC.
Vice President & Controller
  AIRGAS MID SOUTH, INC.
 
  AIRGAS INTERMOUNTAIN, INC.
AIRGAS NORPAC, INC.
AIRGAS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA &
    NEVADA, INC.
AIRGAS SOUTHWEST, INC.
AIRGAS WEST, INC.
AIRGAS SAFETY, INC.
AIRGAS CARBONIC, INC.
AIRGAS SPECIALTY GASES, INC.
NITROUS OXIDE CORP.
RED-D-ARC, INC.
AIRGAS DATA, LLC
         
     
     
  (Co-Registrants)   
     
 
     
  BY:   /s/ Tom Smyth    
    Tom Smyth   
    Vice President   
 
     
  ATNL, INC.
 		  
  (Co-Registrant)   
     
 
     
  BY:   /s/ Melanie Andrews    
    Melanie Andrews   
    President   
 
DATED: November 28, 2006

3 of 3

EX-99.1 2 w27531exv99w1.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED NOVEMBER 22, 2006 exv99w1
 

(AIRGAS LETTERHEAD)
Exhibit 99.1
Investor Contact:   Media Contact:
Jay Worley (610) 902-6206   James Ely (610) 902-6010
jay.worley@airgas.com   jim.ely@airgas.com
For release:     Immediately
Airgas to Acquire Linde’s Divested U.S. Bulk Gas Assets
RADNOR, PA — November 22, 2006 — Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire the U.S. bulk gas business that Linde AG (LIN.DE) is required to divest after its acquisition of The BOC Group.
The bulk gas divestiture will comply with one of the conditions imposed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission when it approved Linde’s acquisition of BOC, which was completed on September 5, 2006.
Airgas has agreed to acquire eight air separation units (ASUs) and related bulk gas business for $495 million in cash. The bulk business, which has approximately 300 employees, generated $154 million in revenues and EBITDA of $55 million in the year ended December 31, 2005. Revenues for the nine month period ended September 30, 2006 increased approximately 10 percent to $126 million. The companies expect to close the bulk business acquisition subject to regulatory review and customary closing conditions.
“This transaction will be positive for our associates, our customers, and our shareholders. It comes at a time when Airgas continues to see strong organic growth and good internal momentum,” said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. “The addition of these bulk gas production operations will enhance our ability to support future growth.”

 

 

The eight ASU plants to be acquired are located in Canton and Dayton, OH; Madison and Waukesha, WI; Carrolton and Jefferson, GA; Bozrah, CT; and Rock Hill, SC. Airgas will manage the acquired ASUs as part of a new business unit, Airgas Merchant Gases, which will centrally manage production, sourcing, applications support and logistics, working closely with bulk gas sales specialists within the Airgas regional companies. Airgas Merchant Gases will eventually manage existing Airgas ASUs and the planned one in Carrollton, KY.
“The acquired bulk gas assets will fit well with the six existing ASUs operated by Airgas and our joint venture National Welders Supply Co., as well as our planned plant in Carrollton” said McCausland. “Most of these plants are in the Eastern U.S., but existing swap agreements will strengthen our gas supply chain nationwide.”
The acquired bulk business will include sales of nitrogen, oxygen, and argon produced at the plants, as well as helium, hydrogen and carbon dioxide bulk sales to the plants’ customers. The acquisition will include delivery vehicles, bulk tanks, and related infrastructure, as well as sales, operations, and engineering staff who support the business.
“In this transaction, we are acquiring a complete, profitable, and integrated bulk gas business, with the resources, infrastructure, and people we will need to grow,” said McCausland. “We already have a great team of bulk gas sales specialists, who work closely with our 1,000-person sales force to identify bulk opportunities. Now we will add some 300 production engineers, applications experts, drivers, and additional bulk gas sales specialists to form an integrated team focused on growing our bulk business,” said McCausland.
McCausland added, “Our track record in the past quarter-century demonstrates our ability to execute this transaction. We also are pleased to have commitments in place to finance the transaction with senior bank debt,” he said. The Company expects the acquisition will be accretive to EPS in the first 12 months.

 

 

Analyst Teleconference Scheduled
Airgas will host a teleconference at 11:00 a.m. ET, November 27, 2006. The presentation materials will be posted on the Slide Presentations page of the Investor Info section of the corporate website, www.airgas.com, by 8:00 a.m. November 27, 2006. A webcast of the teleconference will be available live and on demand through Friday, January 26, 2007, at http://www.shareholder.com/arg/medialist.cfm. The teleconference will be available to the public and media in a listen-only mode. To listen, call (866) 288-0541. To hear a replay through January 26, 2007, call (888) 203-1112, and enter passcode 8294867.
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and related hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also the third-largest U.S. distributor of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants and ammonia products. More than 10,000 employees work in about 900 locations including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities, and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain statements that are forward looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the bulk gas divestiture complying with conditions imposed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission; the expectation of closing the purchase of 8 air separation units (ASUs) subject to regulatory and customary closing conditions; the addition of the bulk gas production operations enhancing our ability to support future growth; our plans to manage the acquired ASUs as part of a new business unit, Airgas Merchant Gases; the acquired bulk gas assets fitting well with existing Airgas and National Welders plants and our planned plant in Carrollton; these capabilities strengthening our gas supply chain nationwide; the positive impact of the transactions for our associates, customers and shareholders; and the expectation that the bulk transaction will be accretive to EPS in the first 12 months. We intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors and should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the results expressed therein will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement include: the successful integration of the Linde ASUs; the Company’s ability to retain the former Linde employees; the Company’s ability to satisfy the needs of the former Linde customers; the Company’s ability to identify, consummate and successfully integrate future acquisitions; an economic downturn; increased competition; customer acceptance of the Company’s products; adverse changes in customer buying patterns; adverse changes in general economic conditions; political and economic uncertainties associated with current world events; and other factors described in the Company’s reports, including Form 10-K dated March 31, 2006, subsequent Forms 10-Q, and other forms filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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