(Archived) Praxair Acquires Lake County Medical Gases, Inc., and Withrow Oxygen Service, Inc.

DANBURY, Conn., December 12, 2006 — Praxair Distribution, Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), has acquired the packaged gas business and facilities of Lake County Medical Gas, Inc. of Mundelein, Illinois and Withrow Oxygen Service, Inc. of South Lake Tahoe, California.

The firms, with a total of eight employees, were acquired November 30, and December 1, 2006 respectively and had combined total sales of approximately $2 million in their prior fiscal years. Each company operates a retail store for the sale of welding, medical and industrial gases and related equipment, supplies and technical solutions. Withrow Oxygen Service also operates a small warehouse. This facility will serve as a local distribution point for welding supplies and other gases.

"These acquisitions will strengthen our ability to serve customers in their respective geographies," said Praxair Distribution, Inc. President Wayne Yakich. "Both firms have operated since 1979 and have built strong reputations for superior customer service. We welcome their eight employees to the Praxair team. Together we will grow Praxair’s sales in California and Illinois by providing the technical solutions and quality products Praxair customers expect."

Yakich said both firms will be integrated into the Praxair Distribution organization of approximately 4100 employees and 335 retail stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Praxair Distribution has expanded its physical presence in North America with eight acquisitions in 2006.

Praxair Distribution, Inc., its subsidiaries, distributors and employees deliver a wide array of industrial and specialty gases, equipment and supplies, technical expertise, and services to thousands of customers in the United States and Canada. From locations throughout North America, Praxair Distribution provides differentiated product and service offerings that help customers achieve their objectives on time with consistent quality.

Praxair, Inc. is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2005 sales of $7.7 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