2010-07-30 [Source: Airliquide]

Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP announces the acquisition of the assets and business activities of Lion Copolymer Geismar Services (LCGS), an industrial utilities provider based in Louisiana's Geismar basin, near the city of Baton Rouge.

The newly acquired facilities are a major utilities provider in the area and supply steam, treated and demineralized water, and other critical products to nearby industrial customers in the Geismar basin, a number of which are already being supplied industrial gases by Air Liquide.

The purchase of LCGS' business operations and assets complements Air Liquide's already strong presence in the Geismar basin, which is anchored by two large air separation units producing oxygen and nitrogen for supply via the company's expansive Mississippi River Pipeline System, as well as a cogeneration unit which produces electricity and steam.

Michael J. Graff, President and CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc., Vice-President Americas and a member of Air Liquide's Executive Committee, commented: "The purchase of LCGS' business activities further demonstrates Air Liquide's growth strategy in existing and essential marketplaces. This investment will generate immediate revenue and expands our product offer and position in the region by integrating new and existing capabilities to meet the needs of customers. We welcome our new employees, and are pleased to be adding to our already substantial investment in the Geismar basin and to continue to contribute to growth in the Gulf Coast region."

Air Liquide in the U.S.

Air Liquide companies in the U.S. employ more than 4,000 employees in over 200 locations, and offer industrial gases, equipment and related services to customers in the large industries, industrial merchant, electronics and healthcare markets.

Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. is a subsidiary of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. and is responsible for serving large industry in the U.S. including the refining, natural gas, chemical and metals industries. It also operates an extensive pipeline system along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River as well as providing its customers with on-site gas production capabilities.

The Large Industries business line of Air Liquide offers gas and energy solutions that improve process efficiency and help achieve greater respect for the environment, mainly to the refining and natural gas, chemicals, metals and energy markets. 2009 revenues were $4.47 million.

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in over 75 countries with 42,300 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide's activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates to enable progress, to achieve dynamic growth and a consistent performance.

Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry's energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, homecare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.

A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide's teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, expand into new territories and build its future.

Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its sustainable development approach. In 2009, the Group's revenues amounted to €12 billion, of which almost 80% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.