Information

Paris, 31 August, 2004

Press release

New contract with BGH, anmanufacturer of special steels in Gremany


Air Liquide has just signed a 3 year constract, effective in January 2005, with the stainless steel works BGH in Siegen, Germany. The contract will include various gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and argon in cryogenic (liquid) form, together with the related equipment. These gases are used in the melting process in order to give specific physical and mechanical properties to highly resistant steels.

As as supplementary service, Air Liquide will organize workshops on new cutting-edge gas applications. This technological input will be provided to the whole BGH group at their various plants.

BGH Siegen is a subsidiary of Holding BGH Edelstahlwerke GmbH. The Siegen site is focused on the production of special stainless steel and nickel alloys.

Commenting in this partnership, Jean-Pierre Duprieu, Senior Vice-President and member of the Executive Committee of Air Liquide said: "Our in-depth knolwdge of our customer's process combined with proximity and customized service have enabled us to build a strong partnership wih BGH. This demostrates that our industrial customers can rely on Air Liqude for innovative solutions to enhancetheir competitiveness".

Air Liquide's new configuratin in Germany, following the acquisition of Messer Griesheim's assets, should generate close to 900 million euros in sales, once the divestitures required by the European Commission have been completed.

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Present in 65 countries, Air Liquide is the qorld leader in industrial and medical gases and related services. The Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies. These solutions, which are in line with Air Liquide's commitment to sustainable development, help to protect life and enable our customers to manufacture meny indispensable everyday products. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has more than 31,900 employees. The Group has successfully developed a long-term relationship with its shareholders built on confidence and transparency and guided by the principles of corporate governance. Sales in 2003 totaled 8,394 million euros, of which sales outside France accounted almost 80%. Ait Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is a component of the CAC 40 and EuroStoxx 50 indexes (ISIN code FR 0000120073).

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations Corporate Communication
Matthieu Baumgartner +33 (0)1 40 62 55 19 Dominique Maire +33(0)1 40 62 53 56
Caroline Morand +33(0)1 40 62 55 41 Joelle Ambon +33(0)1 40 62 51 31

www.airliquide.gr

 
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