Airgas Introduces Business-to-Business Electronic Commerce.

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 1999--Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) today announced the introduction of business-to-business electronic commerce (e-commerce).

This new offering provides Airgas and its customers with the technology needed to be competitive in today's marketplace. Later this year, Airgas will introduce its business-to-consumer e-commerce solution.

One of the first several customers, Ed Perkins of Brandeis University, said "We are pleased to be one of the early users of Airgas' e-commerce. This will reduce our purchasing costs and provide more effective access to information. Brandeis is excited to be using this new capability."

According to Pat Visintainer, senior vice president, Sales, "This is another example of focusing on the customer and streamlining the process of doing business with Airgas. Our e-commerce initiative has been customized specifically to serve the needs of our customers. We think e-commerce will supplement the Airgas' national network of branch locations in expediting order fulfillment and delivery."

Airgas is the largest distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases and related equipment, and the third largest distributor of safety supplies, in the United States. Airgas' integrated distributor network consists of more than 700 locations, including branch locations, distribution centers, catalog and inbound and outbound telemarketing operations. Airgas can be visited on the internet at http://www.airgas.com.