Air Liquide Announces a Large Hydrogen Acquisition in Korea


Driven by exports, South Korea's economy has grown into one of the world's
most advanced economies (and its eighth largest exporter). This manufacturing
success is boosting demand for industrial gases in a wide range of sectors such
as steel, chemicals, automobile, consumer electronics and high technologies.

Fifteen years ago, Air Liquide was the first company in the country to introduce a carbon monoxide and hydrogen offering for large industries (typically in
chemicals & refining). It has since expanded and has become a major player in
the Korean market for industrial and medical gases.

Air Liquide Korea has now completed the acquisition of H-Plus SGS, Ltd., a
privately held supplier of piped carbon monoxide and hydrogen in Yeosu (south of
the country) with a total capacity of 60,000m3 per hour of hydrogen and carbon
monoxide. Air Liquide Korea has obtained the required regulatory approvals for
this deal.

Air Liquide Korea already operates two units in Yeosu providing hydrogen and
carbon monoxide to the petrochemical industry. This acquisition, by adding a 3rd
unit, will allow Air Liquide Korea to better serve its existing customers, with
greater redundancy, and to meet the growing demand in this basin.

Jean-Marc de Royere, Senior Vice-President Asia-Pacific and a member of
Executive Committee of the Air Liquide Group, declared: "Enlarging its business
from its first contracts fifteen years ago in Yeosu, Air Liquide has developed
its offering in the Korean market to meet the gas needs of its customers.
With this new unit, our Korean operation will immediately grow more than
30% and we are significantly increasing our commitment to Korea. South
Korea is the third biggest market for industrial and medical gases in Asia and
presents many opportunities to Air Liquide, as the country hosts some of the
world's largest industrial groups, and displays a well-developed medical
system."

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