Airgas Acquires A&R Welding Supply in California.

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) today announced that it has acquired the assets and operations of A&R Welding Supply, Inc., an industrial gas and welding supply distributor with two locations in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, CA. The acquisition closed on October 29, 2004 and the two branches began operating as part of Airgas West, one of 13 regional companies within Airgas.

Three brothers, Dave, Tom and Tim Erbstoesser, founded A&R nearly 20 years ago and built it to a business with more than $4.5 million in annual sales. All three brothers and about 15 other employees of A&R have joined Airgas West.

"We are excited about welcoming the Erbstoessers and their associates to the Airgas West team," said Max Hooper, president of Airgas West, which is headquartered in Lakewood, CA. "These two new branches will strengthen our reach along the central coast with a team of associates who know their customers well. We also look forward to offering customers in these markets a full range of Airgas' products and services."

"This acquisition is the sixth one completed so far this fiscal year, including the acquisition of the BOC U.S. packaged gas business at the end of July," said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. "Total acquired annual sales have now topped $250 million for the year, as we continue to demonstrate our core competency in completing acquisitions big and small."

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding, safety and related products. Its integrated network of about 900 locations includes branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.

Forward-Looking Statement 

This press release may contain statements that are forward-looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the offering of employment to the former A&R employees; the Company's plans to integrate the assets of A&R Welding Supply, Inc.; the ability to offer a broader array of products to A&R's customers; and strengthening the Company's reach into the central coast area of California. Airgas intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors and should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the results expressed therein will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement include the inability to successfully integrate the A&R operations; the Company's inability to retain the former A&R employees; customer acceptance of the Company's products; and other factors described in the Company's reports, including Form 10-K dated March 31, 2004 and Form 10-Q dated June 30, filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.