PARIS & HOUSTON–Air Liquide’s Healthcare business is pursuing its development in the United States with the acquisition of Pacific Science, Inc., a provider of cryobiology equipment and services to biobanks, based in Torrance, California. The transaction, effective May 1st, was made by Air Liquide Healthcare America Corporation, Air Liquide’s American Healthcare subsidiary.

Cryobiology is a promising area for Air Liquide. Across the world, Air Liquide helps ensure the quality and the operability of stored biological samples. North America represents more than 40% of this fast growing market, with its most dynamic markets located on the East and West coasts.

Pacific Science, Inc., a 15 people company, will complement Air Liquide’s offering to American hospitals, particularly on the West Coast. It is also a channel through which Air Liquide’s cryobiology solutions can be brought to the U.S. market. They include designs for biobanks, vacuum line installations, liquid nitrogen supply, freezing and storage capacity, global process monitoring and cell tracking.

Jean-Marc de Royere, Senior Vice-President in charge of Healthcare and a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, said: “We are pleased to welcome Pacific Science into our Healthcare organization. We value the expertise they have developed as a dedicated services outfit. With this latest acquisition in the United States, we can bring biobanks the comprehensive offering that many expect.”

Air Liquide’s Healthcare business provides medical gases, hygiene products and medical equipment to 6,000 hospital customers and homecare services to 300,000 patients. The Group’s 2008 healthcare revenues were € 1,700 million, 63% outside France, supported by 7,800 professionals.

In the U.S. Air Liquide’s Healthcare business provides over 2,000 customers, hospitals and other medical institutions, with medical-gases and related equipment; its growth is based on dynamic product & service development. It also recently completed three acquisitions in the medical gases sector.

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in over 75 countries with 43,000 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.

Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society. 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…

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, conquer 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 2008, the Group’s revenues amounted to €13.1 billion, of which almost 80% were earned 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.