Airgas Completes Acquisition of Refron.

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced it has completed the acquisition of the assets and operations of Refron, Inc. effective at the close of business on July 31, 2008. Refron, a nationwide reseller and distributor of refrigerants that also provides technical services and refrigerant reclamation services, generated $93 million in revenues in 2007.

Refron, based in Long Island City, NY, continues to go to market as Refron and becomes part of Airgas Refrigerants, Inc. Jay Kestenbaum, former president of Refron, leads the Refron team and serves as senior vice president of product management for Airgas Refrigerants. Jerry Kestenbaum, Refron's former vice president of technology, continues in his role. Jay and Jerry report to Chuck Broadus, president of Airgas Refrigerants.

"We are very happy to welcome 60 Refron associates working in Long Island City, NY; Baton Rouge, LA; and Long Beach, CA, to Airgas Refrigerants," said Broadus. "Refron has an excellent reputation for being customer focused and for prompt, reliable refrigerant supply. Now, with our combined capabilities, we're able to provide customers with a broader offering of products and services, more sourcing locations, and further expertise."

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including 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 expectation that Refron, Inc. as part of Airgas Refrigerants will be able to provide customers with a broader offering of products and services, more sourcing locations, and further expertise. We intend 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 us 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: our ability to successfully integrate Refron, Inc. operations, including retention of customers and employees; supply availability and cost pressures; an economic downturn; increased competition; customer acceptance of our products, including Refron, Inc. products; adverse changes in customer buying patterns; adverse changes in general economic conditions in the U.S. and internationally; risks associated with foreign operations; political and economic uncertainties associated with current world events; and other factors described in our reports, including Form 10-K dated March 31, 2008 and other forms filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission.