Air Liquide Electronics acquires Edwards Chemical Management Division

The acquisition is expected to close before the end of June, 2008, pending regulatory approval and pending the satisfaction of certain closing conditions set forth in the agreement.

Edwards’ Chemical Management Division, a major player in chemical equipment, is focused on designing, manufacturing, and selling chemical and slurry dispensing equipment, installations and services to leading semiconductors as well as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. With production based in Chanhassen, Minnesota, in the United States, it employs about 120 people (including 20% in Asia and Europe) and has annual sales of approximately 50 million USD.

This acquisition will complement Air Liquide Electronics’ position in the high purity fluid equipment and installation sector, particularly in the U.S. and in Asia.  It will reaffirm Air Liquide Electronics’ strategy to be a global supplier to the semiconductor, flat panel display and photovoltaics industries around the world.

Christophe Fontaine, Vice-President Electronics, Air Liquide Group, said: “This acquisition will bring key complements to our current portfolio, especially allowing us to cover the whole equipment and installation spectrum for ultra-pure fluids with the key players of the electronics industry.”

Nigel Hunton, CEO of Edwards, commented: “I’m very happy to continue the strategic re-alignment of Edwards to focus on its core vacuum equipment and abatement business.  In reaching an agreement with Air Liquide for our Chemical Management Division, we ensure a smooth transition of ownership for the benefit of our employees and customers.”

Edwards is a leading global supplier of integrated vacuum and abatement solutions for the manufacture of semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells and a leader in vacuum technology for industrial, scientific, process and R&D applications. The company employs around 3,600 people worldwide in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment.

Air Liquide ElectronicsWith 3,000 employees and €944 million sales in 2007, Air Liquide Electronics has activities in ultra-pure and specialty gases, new molecules, related equipment and customized services.
The Electronics division management is based in Tokyo to enhance its proximity to the booming semiconductor market in Asia.

Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP is the subsidiary of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. responsible for serving the semiconductor industry in the U.S.  American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. is the subsidiary of Air Liquide Group responsible for its North American operations.

www.airliquide.com