A Further Step in the Development of Air Liquide Electronics in Asia


Silane (monosilane SiH4) is a material very widely used by semiconductor, flat panel display, and photovoltaic
industries. This market is driven by strong growth of +20% per year. Air Liquide is the market leader with
production capacity in Japan since 1987, in association with the Denka Group through Denal, its joint-venture
company in Omi, 350 km from Tokyo.

Air Liquide and Denka have decided to launch a new phase of development with the expansion of the Denal
plant to more than 500 tonnes per year capacity. This new step represents a total investment of more than
30 million euros. The unit will be operational by 2008, and will enable Air Liquide Electronics to respond to the
growing demand for this product in USA, Europe, and throughout Asia.

This new investment in the fast growing Asian Electronics market is at the heart of the Group's growth strategy.
Japan Air Gases, a 100% Air Liquide entity, is a significant player in the Japanese market and also as a support for
all of Asia. Over the past four years, this subsidiary has invested more than 300 million euros in order to accompany
the development of its customers, with a strong acceleration in 2006.

Christophe Fontaine, Vice President Electronics Group declared: "With this key project, Air Liquide again
demonstrates its commitment to manufacture ultrapure silane for its customers. This investment, as well as
our Jumbo bulk silane offer, will enable us to confirm our world leadership in silane and specialty gases. Our
global sales in specialty gases today amount to almost 250 million euros. Owning a production capacity is a
key advantage in the monosilane market."

The Denka Group, of which DENKI KAGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA forms the central core, develops and provides a broad
spectrum of materials centered on chemical products. Founded in 1915, the Denka Group is organized around four segments: organic
materials, inorganic materials, electronics products, and functional materials and processed products. Its sales in 2006 totaled ¥307,923
million.

With 3,000 employees, Air Liquide Electronics recorded sales of 864 million euros in 2006. Air Liquide supplies ultra-pure gases,
specialty gases, new molecules, related equipment and customized services. To enhance its proximity to the booming semiconductor
market in Asia, the Electronics division management is based in Tokyo.

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 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 2006 totalled 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).

For further information, please contact:
Corporate Communication
Dominique Maire
+ 33 (0)1 40 62 53 56
Corinne Estrade-Bordry
+ 33 (0)1 40 62 51 31

www.airliquide.com

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