Investor Frequently Asked Questions
Stock and Dividends Q&A
Linde plc will trade on the New York and Frankfurt stock exchange under the same ticker symbol, LIN.
Linde plc’s CUSIP is G5494J 103, its ISIN is IE00BZ12WP82 and its WKN number is A2DSYC.
Linde plc (LIN) stock information is available in various stock applications.
Linde plc is trading on the New York stock exchange and the Frankfurt stock exchange. The dual listing provides investors with superior liquidity and market accessibility befitting of a global company with an international shareholder base.
Linde plc intends to continue paying dividends quarterly to its shareholders as it is a common practice of companies with a listing on the NYSE.
Tax Q&A
If a U.S. shareholder receives Linde plc shares with a fair market value in excess of the adjusted tax basis of such U.S. shareholder’s Praxair shares surrendered in the merger, such U.S. shareholder will recognize capital gain, if any, to the extent of the difference. A U.S. shareholder will not recognize any loss on Praxair shares surrendered in the merger (except with respect to any fractional entitlement to Linde plc shares deemed received and exchanged for cash). A U.S. shareholder who recognizes gain with respect to all of its Praxair shares surrendered in the merger will have an aggregate tax basis in the Linde plc shares received in the merger that is equal to the fair market value of the Linde plc shares as of the effective date of the merger. In the case of a U.S. shareholder who does not recognize gain with respect to any of its Praxair shares surrendered in the merger, the aggregate basis of the Linde plc shares received for Praxair shares in the merger will be equal to the basis of Praxair shares surrendered. The holding period of Linde plc shares received by a U.S. shareholder will include the holding period of the Praxair shares surrendered therefore.
For a further discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to Praxair shareholders, see “Material Tax Considerations — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations —Tax Consequences of the Merger to Holders of Praxair Shares” at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1707925/000119312517254868/d283276ds4a.htm.
Non-U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to them, including the application and effect of any state, local or non-U.S. income and other tax laws.
Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences of the merger to each U.S. shareholder of Praxair shares may depend on such shareholder’s particular facts and circumstances. Shareholders of Praxair shares are urged to consult their own tax advisors to understand fully the tax consequences to them of the merger.
Please call Computershare at 1-866-201-5090 (toll free) or 1-781-575-2553, or connect online at computershare.com/investor.
A U.S. shareholder who recognizes gain with respect to all of its Praxair shares exchanged in the merger will have an aggregate tax basis in the Linde plc shares received in the merger (including any fractional entitlement to Linde plc shares deemed received and exchanged for cash) that is equal to the fair market value of the Linde plc shares as of the effective date of the merger. In the case of a U.S. shareholder who does not recognize gain with respect to any of its Praxair shares exchanged in the merger, the aggregate basis of Linde plc shares received in the merger (including any fractional entitlement to Linde plc shares deemed received and exchanged for cash) will be equal to the basis of Praxair shares exchanged.
Please see https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1707925/000119312517254868/d283276ds4a.htm for more information.
Non-U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to them, including the application and effect of any state, local or non-U.S. income and other tax laws.
IRS Form 8937 - Reporting of Organizational Actions Affecting Basis of Securities
If you were a Praxair, Inc. shareholder and now hold shares for Linde plc, this form provides the tax cost basis.
Download the form
Assuming that the exchange offer is treated as described at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1707925/000119312517254868/d283276ds4a.htm, then such U.S. shareholder’s tax basis in the Linde plc shares will be its tax basis in the Linde AG shares exchanged in the exchange offer.
Non-U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to them, including the application and effect of any state, local or non-U.S. income and other tax laws.
IRS Form 8937 - Reporting of Organizational Actions Affecting Basis of Securities
If you were a Linde AG shareholder and now hold shares for Linde plc, this form provides the tax cost basis.
Download the form
Please call Computershare at 1-866-201-5090 (toll free) or 1-781-575-2553, or connect online at computershare.com/investor.
Backup withholding tax would only apply if there is not a certified Tax Identification Number (TIN) on file with the transfer agent or broker on Form W-9 or W-8BEN.
Backup withholding may apply if the U.S. shareholder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number (on an IRS Form W-9 provided to the paying agent or the U.S. holder’s broker) or is otherwise subject to backup withholding.
Non-U.S. shareholders may be required to comply with certification and identification procedures to establish an exemption from backup withholding.
Non-U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to them, including the application and effect of any state, local or non-U.S. income and other tax laws.
General Questions
Shares held by Praxair shareholders in a dividend reinvestment plan or through a custodian bank or broker will be exchanged for (1) one Linde plc share for each Praxair share and (2) cash in lieu of fractional shares and in respect of dividends or other distributions to which such shareholders are entitled.
If you hold your shares of Praxair common stock in certificate form, in order to receive shares in Linde plc and any future dividend or distributions the Board of Directors of Linde plc may declare, you must return your original certificates evidencing shares of Praxair common stock to the Exchange Agent, Computershare, accompanied by the form Letter of Transmittal. If you cannot locate some or all of your certificates, you should complete the Lost Securities Affidavit on the back of the Letter of Transmittal.
No, Linde plc shares are uncertificated registered shares and will be held on behalf of Linde plc shareholders through a custodial chain between, the Depository Trust Company, Clearstream and custodian banks.
Yes, outstanding Praxair stock certificates are to be turned in to the Exchange Agent, Computershare, accompanied by the form Letter of Transmittal. Duplicate forms can be requested by contacting Computershare at 1-866-201-5090 (toll free) or 1-781-575-2553.
Historical information for both Praxair, Inc. and Linde AG is available in the Investors Archive.
The Linde plc AGM will take place once a year in the United Kingdom, and shareholders are welcome to participate. A press release with details of the AGM will be issued in due time.