(Archived) Praxair Acquires Two Welding Supply Firms

DANBURY, Conn., November 28, 2006 — Praxair Distribution, Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), has acquired Casper's Welding Solutions & Supply LLC, of Canfield, Ohio, and Welding Equipment Company, Inc. of Long Beach, California.

Both firms, with a total of 10 employees, were acquired at the end of October, 2006, and reported combined total sales of nearly $3 million in 2005. They each operate retail stores that supply a variety of packaged industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as welding equipment, supplies and solutions. Their combined strengths, skills and experience will be integrated with those of Praxair Distribution's approximately 4100 employees and 335 stores in North America.

"These acquisitions strengthen our ability to better serve customers in Southern California and Ohio," said Praxair Distribution, Inc. President, Wayne Yakich. "Each company has built excellent relationships in the communities they serve," said Yakich. "We welcome them and their employees to Praxair and invite them to help us build on the great foundations they've established."

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