Airgas Completes Acquisition of Oilind Safety
RADNOR, PA - July, 1 2008 - Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that effective at the close of business on July 1, 2008, it has completed the acquisition of Energy Safety Services Incorporated, doing business as Oilind Safety. The business, a leading U.S. provider of rental safety equipment and safety services, generated about $21 million in revenues in 2007.
Oilind Safety, which is based in Phoenix, AZ, now operates as a stand-alone company within a new Airgas organization that includes construction and rental businesses. The company is headed by Kirk Peda, former president of Oilind Safety, who reports to Jack Appolonia, vice president of construction and rental businesses for Airgas, Inc.
"We are pleased to welcome more than 200 Oilind Safety associates based in 16 locations throughout the Western U.S.", said Appolonia. "Oilind Safety's complete line of safety rental equipment, including fall protection, breathing air and gas monitoring systems, as well as safety management services for training, audits, and emergency response planning, will open new opportunities for us in the construction marketplace."
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 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 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.
