South-East Asia: purchase of four joint-ventures completed


South-East Asia: purchase of four joint-ventures completed
In accordance with the announcement made on February 21 2007, and following the approval of the anti-trust
authorities, Air Liquide has today completed the purchase from Linde of the four joint-venture companies
that were already managed by the Group in South-East Asia.
Air Liquide now owns 100% of the activities of Soxal (subsidiary in Singapore), Eastern Industrial Gases
(subsidiary in Thailand), Vietnam Industrial Gases (subsidiary in Vietnam) and 50% of Brunox (subsidiary in
Brunei with a local partner).
At the same time, Air Liquide sold to Linde its share in Malaysia Oxygen (Malaysia) and in Hong Kong
Oxygen (present in Hong Kong and in the Canton region).
On this basis, Linde received the sum of 275 million euros.
These acquisitions are a major step in the strategy of the Air Liquide Group to pursue its development in
South-East Asia in a quicker and more integrated way, and to capitalize on growth in economies clustered around
the industrial hub of Singapore.

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Present in 72 countries, Air Liquide is a world leader in industrial and medical gases and related services. The Group offers
innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies. These solutions, which are consistent with Air Liquide's
commitment to sustainable development, help to protect life and enable our customers to manufacture many indispensable
everyday products. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has nearly 37,000 employees. The Group has successfully developed a longterm
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 2006 totaled 10,949 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).

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