Air Liquide acquires Lion Copolymer Geismar Services’ operations in the U.S.

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 offers 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 € 3,219 million.