Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP Announces Price Increases for Silane.

HOUSTON -- Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP announces price increases for its silane and silane containing products sold in the U.S. These increases will be effective immediately or according to the terms of customer contracts.

Due to market conditions and economic factors that include increases in manufacturing and distribution costs, increased demand, tightening worldwide silicon sources, and other related matters, customers can expect pricing for silane to increase up to 20 percent as contracts allow.

Commented Rich Jahr, president of Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP, "The market is experiencing a high demand for silane-based products in photovoltaics and for TFT/LCD manufacturing, as well as tightening supplies and increased operating costs. We are committed to try to seek ways to help minimize costs and increase efficiencies, but at this time, these price increases are necessary to continue to safely and reliably provide the high quality products and expert services that customers have come to expect from Air Liquide."

Air Liquide maintains one of the largest dedicated merchant production sources for these products around the world, and it is committed to delivering the highest level of value, quality and service demanded by customers.

Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP, a subsidiary of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc., serves the semiconductor industry in the U.S. by providing ultra pure gases, liquids and advanced molecules used in the fabrication of silicon chips as well as providing specialized equipment and related gas and chemical management services. Through its division, Balazs Analytical Services, Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP also provides state-of-the art analytical and laboratory services. American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. is the subsidiary of Air Liquide Group responsible for its North American operations.

Present in more than 70 countries, Air Liquide is the world leader in industrial and medical gases and related services. The Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies. These solutions, which are consistent with Air Liquide's commitment to sustainable development, help to protect life and enable our customers to manufacture many indispensable everyday products. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has nearly 36,000 employees. The Group has successfully developed a long-term relationship with its shareholders built on trust and transparency and guided by the principles of corporate governance. Since the publication of its first consolidated financial statements in 1971, Air Liquide has posted strong and steady earnings growth. Sales in 2005 totalled 10,435 million euros, with sales outside France accounting for almost 80%. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris stock exchange and is a component of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices (ISIN code FR 0000120073).