(Archived) Praxair Declares Dividend in Second Quarter 2004; Adopts Rights Agreement

DANBURY, CT, April 28, 2004 — The board of directors of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX) declared a quarterly dividend of 15 cents per share, payable on June 15, 2004 to shareholders of record on June 7, 2004.

In addition, Praxair's shareholders approved a new Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement to be implemented when Praxair's current Rights Agreement expires on May 3, 2004. Accordingly, the board declared a dividend of one right for each outstanding share of common stock held of record at the close of business on April 30, 2004. The rights will be paid on May 3, 2004.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2003 sales of $5.6 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.