Air Liquide : Acquisition of NordicInfu Care, a major player in home infusion in the Nordic countries

Regulatory News:

Air Liquide (Paris:AI) continues the development of its home healthcare activity in Europe with the acquisition of NordicInfu Care, a major player in home infusion therapy for patients with chronic diseases in the Nordic countries.

Founded in 2002, NordicInfu Care takes care of 4,600 patients in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. In 2012, the company generated revenue of approximately € 22 million (SEK 185 million).

NordicInfu Care is recognized for its expertise in the treatment of chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and pulmonary hypertension, by subcutaneous infusion at home.

Its integrated range of solutions, which includes the medication as well as the medical equipment, allows patients to be treated at home rather than go to hospital, thereby giving them greater autonomy.

Air Liquide favours continuity in the company's management, which is presided by Mats Bergryd, relying on the expertise and the commitment of its teams.

This acquisition also marks a new geographical development for Air Liquide's home healthcare activities, which until now had little presence in these Northern European countries.

Pascal Vinet, Vice President, Healthcare Global Operations and member of the Group’s Executive Committee, commented: "We are delighted to welcome these new employees to the Group.

With this acquisition, Air Liquide is taking another step in home infusion treatment for patients suffering from chronic diseases in Europe. Health is one of the Group's growth drivers."

Air Liquide’s Healthcare Business line

Air Liquide's Healthcare World Business Line supplies medical gases, home healthcare services, hygiene products, medical equipment and specialty ingredients.

In 2012, it served over 7,500 hospitals and 1 million patients at home throughout the world.

The Group’s Healthcare business line also reached € 2,482 million in revenues in 2012, with 10,000 employees.

Home Healthcare

Air Liquide, European leader and 3^rd worldwide in home healthcare, provides home healthcare services in compliance with medical prescription for patients suffering from chronic diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), sleep apnea and diabetes. These home healthcare services are being developed in addition to hospital care, enabling patients to enjoy better quality of life and local authorities to reduce costs.

Home Healthcare represents 43% of Air Liquide’s total 2012 Healthcare revenue.

Air Liquide in the Nordic countries

Air Liquide is present in Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden with more than 500 employees. The Group operates a total of 50 sites in these countries, and serves more than 50,000 customers in most industries and healthcare.

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with close to 50,000 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide’s activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates for the good of society while delivering growth and consistent performance.

Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry’s energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, home healthcare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.

A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide’s teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.

Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development approach. In 2012, the Group’s revenues amounted to € 15.3 billion of which 82% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.

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