(Archived) Praxair Acquires Western Canada Bulk Gas Business of Air Products

DANBURY, Conn., May 5, 2003 — Praxair Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), has acquired the Western Canada bulk gas business of Air Products Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Praxair Canada will assume supply of bulk gases to approximately 60 locations through bulk-gas truck deliveries as well as a small number of on-site production facilities in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Northwest Territories that were previously supplied by Air Products Canada.  Air Products Canada will continue to operate in Eastern Canada.

"Because this acquisition is a good fit with our existing infrastructure, it will allow us to quickly and efficiently integrate these operations and strengthen our ability to serve customers throughout Western Canada," said Robert Hossack, managing director of Praxair Canada.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2002 sales of $5.1 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.