Airgas Selects webMethods to Enhance eBusiness Architecture.

Business Editors

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2000

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) announced today it has selected webMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM), the leading provider of business-to-business integration (B2Bi) solutions, to provide software solutions for its eBusiness architecture. webMethods enables Global 2000 companies and major B2B marketplaces to build out and rapidly deploy their trading networks.

"We are excited about working with the team at webMethods," commented Peter McCausland, chairman and chief executive officer of Airgas. "They bring a great deal of internet experience and expertise in business-to-business integration that will help us move forward with our eBusiness strategy.

"The software will be used to allow Airgas to automate the process of handling customer transactions where exchanges and portals are involved, thereby eliminating the costs of maintaining customer specific catalogs," added Mr. McCausland. "Eventually, we hope to use webMethods to integrate content from our suppliers into the Airgas electronic catalog."

Airgas will use webMethods B2B(TM) as a key component for integrating Airgas' back-end systems and its new B2B web application. With webMethods B2B, Airgas will enable customers to leverage an open, standards-based solution that supports XML as well as other industry specific protocols to seamlessly connect to Airgas for real-time business transactions.

"webMethods provides customers with a powerful solution that leverages open standards to rapidly connect buyers and suppliers in real-time B2B trading exchanges," said Charles Allen, co-founder and vice president, Industry Solutions of webMethods. "By using webMethods B2B, Airgas is demonstrating a commitment to helping its customers and partners accelerate their own e-commerce initiatives and realize the economic benefits of rapid, real-time and secure B2Bi."

By offering eCommerce, Airgas expects to increase service responsiveness to existing customers, lower the cost of acquiring new customers, and provide alternative channels for different customers to find and purchase products.

About webMethods, Inc.

webMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM) is the leading provider of software solutions for business-to-business integration (B2Bi). As the only company providing seamless B2Bi across the Internet and throughout the extended enterprise, webMethods provides Global 2000 companies and B2B marketplaces with a complete, end-to-end solution for integrating customers, suppliers and partners into real-time B2B trading networks, while also increasing internal operational efficiencies. The webMethods product family allows companies to create new revenue opportunities, strengthen relationships with customers, substantially reduce supply chain inefficiencies and streamline internal business processes.

Founded in 1996, webMethods is based in Fairfax, Va., with offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia. With an emphasis on key vertical markets such as chemicals, financial services, high-tech manufacturing and telecommunications, webMethods has more than 500 customers worldwide--from Global 2000 leaders such as Citibank, Dell, Eastman Chemical Company, Fidelity Investments, Grainger, Motorola and Starbucks to major B2B marketplaces like ChemConnect, e-STEEL and Ventro. webMethods' strategic partners include Ariba, Commerce One, Deloitte Consulting, EDS, i2 Technologies, J.D. Edwards, KPMG, Microsoft, Oracle Corp., SAP AG and Siebel. More information about the company can be found at www.webmethods.com.

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. is the largest distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases and welding equipment and one of the largest distributors of safety supplies in the United States. Airgas' integrated distributor network consists of approximately 700 locations, including branches, packaged gas fill plants, distribution centers, and inbound and outbound telemarketing operations. Airgas can be visited on the Internet at www.airgas.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements about Airgas within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the benefits to be derived by Airgas from its alliance with webMethods and Airgas' ability to deliver effective services and products. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in any such forward-looking statement include dependence on the success of webMethods' e-business strategy and software solutions, Airgas' ability to supply services and products in a timely manner, increased competition, changes in the e-commerce industry and general economic conditions. These and other risks are detailed from time to time in Airgas' periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.