Acquisition of a Major Homecare Provider in France


Ageing population and the rise of chronic diseases, both major public health
challenges, lead to the development of homecare. The market for home respiratory
assistance in Europe alone amounts to over Euros2 billion.

Air Liquide, the European homecare leader, announces the acquisition in France of
ADEP Assistance, a specialist in home respiratory healthcare.

Created more than forty years ago within the French Association for polio sufferers
and the disabled (ADEP), ADEP Assistance today takes care of nearly
13,000 chronic patients in the regions of Ile de France and Picardie, with a highly qualified
multidisciplinary team of 140 employees. It reached a turnover of
Euros21 million in 2009.

ADEP Assistance is recognised for the quality of its services in home respiratory
assistance, in particular invasive and non invasive ventilation, and for its expertise in
paediatrics and the treatment at home of patients with severely disabling
diseases requiring sophisticated equipment (for example neuromuscular diseases). It
is a pioneer in the care of tracheotomised and ventilated patients.

Annie Leroy, General Manager of ADEP Assistance, said: "We are delighted
to join a leader with whom we share the same values, and above all, the
desire to position the patient and the healthcare professionals at the heart
of our preoccupations."

Pascal Vinet, Vice-President, Healthcare World Business Line and Healthcare
Operations for the Air Liquide Group, declared: "Our business of home
healthcare provider in France is strengthened by this acquisition which
complements our service offering. This reinforces our leading position in
homecare in Europe. ADEP Assistance will now be able to rely on the
resources of the Healthcare operations of the Air Liquide Group to
continue its development at the service of patients. We are delighted to
welcome these new employees into the Group. Health is one of the
Air Liquide growth drivers."

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