Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP Finalizes Purchase of Edwards Chemical Management Division

Business Wire, July 11, 2008

HOUSTON & DALLAS -- Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP (ALEUS) announces it has finalized its purchase of assets of the Chemical Management Division of Edwards Vacuum, Inc. (Edwards CMD), a major player in chemical equipment for semiconductor and original equipment manufacturers worldwide.

Chemical equipment and the related products and services are vital components of the Air Liquide Electronics offering to the semiconductor industry. The acquisition of Edwards CMD complements Air Liquide Electronics' position in the high purity fluid equipment and installation sector, particularly in the U.S. and Asia, and reaffirms its strategy to be a global supplier to the semiconductor, flat panel display and photovoltaics industries around the world.

David LeBlanc, president of ALEUS, commented, "The ability to offer a more robust and cost competitive line of chemical dispensing equipment uniquely positions Air Liquide to better serve end user and OEM customers and more widely establish itself as a provider of choice to the semiconductor industry."

The newly acquired production operations are based in Chanhassen, Minnesota, and include some 120 employees, approximately 100 in the U.S. and 20 in Asia and Europe. Its operations are being integrated into the ALEUS business organization and aligned with Air Liquide Electronics' global activities.

Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP is the subsidiary of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. responsible for serving the semiconductor industry from the U.S. by providing ultra pure gases, liquids and advanced molecules used in the fabrication of silicon chips as well as providing specialized equipment and related gas and chemical management services. Through its division, Balazs Analytical Services, Air Liquide Electronics also provides state-of-the-art analytical and laboratory services. American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. is the subsidiary of Air Liquide Group responsible for its North American operations.

Air Liquide Electronics

With 3,000 employees and [euro]944 million sales in 2007, Air Liquide Electronics has activities in ultra-pure and specialty gases, new molecules, related equipment and customized services.

With more than 40,000 employees in 75 countries, Air Liquide is the world leader in industrial and medical gases and related services. The Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies and produces air gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gasesO) and many other gases including hydrogen. The Group contributes to the manufacturing of many everyday products: bubbles in sparkling beverages, protective atmosphere for packed foods, oxygen for hospitals and homecare patients, ultra-pure gases for the semiconductor industry, hydrogen to desulfurize fuels...

Air Liquide is committed to sustainable development and helps to protect life. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has successfully developed a long-term relationship with its shareholders built on trust and transparency and guided by the principles of corporate governance. Since the publication of its first consolidated financial statements in 1971, Air Liquide has posted strong and steady earnings growth. Sales in 2007 totaled 11,801 million euros, with sales outside France accounting for almost 80%. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris stock exchange and is a component of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices (ISIN code FR 0000120073).

www.airliquide.com