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-----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, NPOMAuPgSSkPs5+GZWMAwlgQW7axiADKqFnlVebfb1TZ0xJNj2YTMavabyEiCIBh zDt11439dsIPfdsyA3wgVw== 0000893220-07-002362.txt : 20070702 0000893220-07-002362.hdr.sgml : 20070702 20070702141635 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000893220-07-002362 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070630 ITEM INFORMATION: Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets ITEM INFORMATION: Other Events ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20070702 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070702 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: 07954381 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: 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: 07954385 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: 07954387 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: 07954388 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: 07954393 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: 07954395 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: 07954399 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: 07954382 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: 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: 07954384 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: 07954391 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: 07954396 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: 07954383 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: 07954390 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: 07954397 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: 07954398 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: 07954392 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: 07954386 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: 07954394 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: 07954389 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 w36750e8vk.htm FORM 8-K 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): June 30, 2007

AIRGAS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware	1-9344	56-0732648
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)


259 North Radnor-Chester Road, Suite 100, Radnor, PA		19087-5283
(Address of principal executive offices)		(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 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

On June 30, 2007, pursuant to a Packaged Gas Business Equity Purchase Agreement, dated March 29, 2007 (the “Agreement”), by and among Airgas, Inc. (the “Company”), Linde Gas Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Seller”), and Linde Aktiengesellschaft, a German corporation (the “Guarantor”), the Company completed the acquisition of Linde Gas USA LLC and with it most of the U.S. Packaged gas business of the Guarantor. Airgas paid cash consideration of approximately $310 million. The amount and type of consideration was determined on the basis of arm’s length negotiations between the Company and the Guarantor and is subject to a working capital adjustment. The acquisition was financed through borrowings under the Company’s Twelfth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated July 25, 2006, which was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.

The closing of the acquisition was conditioned upon regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The business, which generated $346 million in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006, includes 130 locations in 18 states with more than 1,400 employees. The acquired operations include branches, warehouses, packaged gas fill plants, and other operations involved in distributing packaged industrial and specialty gases and related equipment. Most of the acquired operations and personnel will be integrated with seven existing Airgas regional companies, entirely in the eastern U.S.

The transaction excludes Linde’s LifeGas medical gas business, its Spectra Gas rare and specialty gas business, and its Caribbean and Canadian gases business. Also, Linde will retain certain acetylene production and packaged gas fill plants supporting the distributor customer business it will keep. The transaction also would not affect Linde’s ongoing merchant liquid, tonnage, pipeline and on-site business in North America and its packaged gas businesses in other parts of the world.

The Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2007 and is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company’s press release dated July 2, 2007 announcing the closing of the acquisition is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.01. Other Events

In a separate transaction, the Company plans to transfer 17 of the acquired packaged gas facilities in the Carolinas, southern Virginia, and eastern Georgia to its joint venture partner, National Welders Supply Company, Inc. (“National Welders”). As separately announced, National Welders will soon transition from a joint venture to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The transferred business employs about 185 people and had more than $50 million in revenues in 2006.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

In accordance with Item 9.01(a)(4), the financial statements required by Item 9.01(a) of Form 8-K will be filed by amendment to this Form 8-K no later than September 13, 2007, the last business day within 71 calendar days after the required filing date for this Current Report.

(b) Pro forma financial information.

In accordance with Item 9.01(b)(2), the pro forma financial information required by Item 9.01(b) of Form 8-K will be filed by amendment to this Form 8-K no later than September 13, 2007, the last business day within 71 calendar days after the required filing date for this Current Report.

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(d) Exhibits.


Exhibit 10.14*		Packaged Gas Business Equity Purchase Agreement, dated March 29, 2007, by and among Linde Gas Inc., Linde AG and Airgas, Inc.

Exhibit 99.1		Press Release, dated July 2, 2007, issued by Airgas, Inc.


*		Previously filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2007, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2007.

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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/ Thomas M. Smyth		AIRGAS SOUTH, INC.
Thomas M. 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/ Thomas M. Smyth
	Thomas M. Smyth
	Vice President

DATED: June 30, 2007

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EX-99.1 2 w36750exv99w1.htm PRESS RELEASE exv99w1


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 Completes Acquisition of Linde U.S. Packaged Gas Business

RADNOR, PA — July 2, 2007 — Airgas, Inc., (NYSE: ARG) today announced that effective at the close of business June 30, 2007, it has completed the acquisition of Linde Gas USA LLC, and with it most of the U.S. packaged gas business of Linde AG (LIN.DE). Airgas, which first announced plans to acquire the packaged gas operations on March 29, 2007, paid $310 million in cash in the transaction.

The acquisition involved 130 locations in 18 states, including branches, warehouses, packaged gas fill plants, and other operations involved in distributing packaged industrial and specialty gases and related equipment. In 2006, the business generated $346 million in revenue.

“We are pleased to welcome 1,400 associates and the packaged gas customers they serve,” said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. “The packaged gas locations we have acquired fill in our network in a key corridor from Pittsburgh to Chicago, and in other important geographies in the eastern U.S., helping us serve customers more effectively.”

Most associates and locations are joining seven regional companies and National Welders Supply Company, which will soon transition from a joint venture to a wholly owned subsidiary as announced separately. Two specialty gas facilities in Maumee and Valley View, OH, are joining the Airgas Specialty Gases national network, and some corporate functions based in Cleveland, OH, are joining Airgas corporate teams. For more information on the sites and new alignments, go to http://www.airgas.com/documents/pdf/LindePGalignedsites.pdf.

For at least the initial 60 days, the acquired locations will operate under their existing business structure, with the management team reporting to the East Division President Shaun Powers in Cleveland, while Airgas completes systems conversions over the coming months. Until then, customers will see no changes in the way they order, take delivery, or pay for products and service from their current locations.

As previously announced, the transaction excludes Linde’s LifeGas medical gas business, its Spectra Gas rare and specialty gas business, and its Caribbean and Canadian packaged gas business. Also, Linde will retain certain acetylene production and packaged gas fill plants supporting the distributor customer business it will keep. The transaction also will not affect Linde’s ongoing merchant liquid, tonnage, pipeline and on-site business in North America and its packaged gas businesses in other parts of the world.

Airgas previously announced that it expects the acquired business to be accretive to EPS up to $0.02 in the first 12 months after closing, during which time the majority of the integration costs will be incurred.

“We complete this acquisition as we celebrate a quarter-century of growth, with a proven track record of successfully integrating large and small acquisitions. We are confident in our ability to create value through this transaction,” said McCausland.

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors 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 13,000 employees work in over 1,000 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 acquired packaged gas locations filling in our network in key geographies and helping us serve customers more effectively; National Welders soon becoming a wholly owned subsidiary as a result of a separate transaction; the acquired locations operating under their existing business structure while completing systems conversions over the coming months; customers seeing no changes in the way they order, take delivery, or pay for products and service from their current locations during that time; our expectations that the acquired business will be accretive to EPS up to $0.02 in the first 12 months after closing, and incurring a majority of our integration costs during that time; and our confidence in our ability to create value in this transaction. 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: our ability to successfully integrate the former Linde Gas USA business, including retention of both customers and employees; supply cost pressures; increased industry competition; customer acceptance of price increases; our ability to successfully consummate and integrate acquisitions; a disruption to our business from integration problems associated with acquisitions; an economic downturn; adverse changes in customer buying patterns; significant fluctuations in interest rates; increases in energy costs and other operating expenses; the effect of hurricanes and other catastrophic events; 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, 2007, and other forms filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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