Airgas Completes Acquisition of LaRoche Industries' Ammonia Distribution Business.

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) today announced it has completed the acquisition of the Atlanta-based Industrial Products Division of LaRoche Industries, a leading distributor of anhydrous ammonia and related services in the U.S. As of June 1, the acquired operations will form a new business unit, Airgas Specialty Products.

The business, which includes a nationwide distribution system of 24 locations and more than 100 delivery vehicles, generated about $65 million in revenues in 2004 and employs more than 130 people. Airgas first announced its intent to acquire LaRoche's business on April 26, 2005. The acquisition is expected to be accretive in the first year.

LaRoche Industries, which traces its roots back more than a century, is a leading supplier of ammonia products and services in the U.S. for nitrogen oxide abatement (DeNOx) within the utility industry as well as metal finishing, water treatment, chemical processing, and ammonia refrigeration applications.

"We are proud that our new Airgas Specialty Products team will continue providing ammonia products and services in the LaRoche tradition," said Ted R. Schulte, division president - Gas Operations, who will manage the new business along with several other business units in the division. "Combining this century-old heritage with Airgas' leadership in industrial and specialty gases, process chemicals, related equipment, and safety products, gives us even more ways to meet our customers' needs."

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 Statements 

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 Company's expectation that the acquisition will be accretive in the first year; and the combined businesses giving Airgas more ways to meet its customers' needs. The Company 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: customer acceptance of the transaction; the Company's ability to successfully integrate the acquired operations and to retain LaRoche's personnel; an economic downturn; increased industry competition; political and economic uncertainties associated with current world events; and other factors described in the Company's reports, including Form 10-K dated March 31, 2004, and Forms 10-Q dated June 30, 2004, September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2004 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.