2008-03-17 15:06:08 -

www.airliquide.com - Air Liquide Electronics announces price increases for its silane products. These increases will be effective immediately or according to the terms of customer's contracts.

Due to market conditions and economic factors that include increased demand, tightening worldwide silicon sources, and other related matters, silane users can expect pricing for silane to increase up to

20 percent as contracts allow.

Christophe Fontaine, Group vice-president of electronics for Air Liquide, commented, "Silane's booming demand is fueled by the market growth of flat panel display and photovoltaic (solar cell) applications. In spite of new capacity investment underway, in the short term, the existing silane worldwide merchant capacity will be challenged by high demand, leading to some serious tensions in the supply chain."

Air Liquide has the largest dedicated merchant silane production facility and strategic sourcing ability in the world, and is expanding its supply capabilities to meet customer demands in Semiconductors, TFT-LCD flat panel display, and photovoltaic manufacturing industries.

With more than 40,000 employees in 72 countries, Air Liquide is a world leader in industrial and medical gases and related services. The Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies and produces air gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases...) and many other gases including hydrogen. The Group contributes to the manufacturing of many everyday products: bubbles in sparkling beverages, protective atmosphere for packed foods, oxygen for hospitals and homecare patients, ultra-pure gases for the semiconductor industry, hydrogen to desulfurize fuels...

Air Liquide is committed to sustainable development and helps to protect life. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has successfully developed a long-term relationship with its shareholders built on trust and transparency and guided by the principles of corporate governance. Since the publication of its first consolidated financial statements in 1971, Air Liquide has posted strong and steady earnings growth. Sales in 2007 totaled 11,801 million euros, with sales outside France accounting for almost 80%. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris stock exchange and is a component of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices (ISIN code FR 0000120073).

With 3,000 employees and EUR 944 million annual sales in 2007, Air Liquide Electronics has activities in ultra-pure and specialty gases, new molecules, related equipment and customized services. The Electronics division management is based in Tokyo to enhance its proximity to the booming semiconductor market in Asia.

Air Liquide Electronics in the U.S.

Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP is the subsidiary of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. responsible for serving the semiconductor industry in the U.S. by providing ultra pure gases, liquids and advanced molecules used in the fabrication of silicon chips as well as providing specialized equipment and related gas and chemical management services. Through its division, Balazs Analytical Services, Air Liquide Electronics also provides state-of-the-art analytical and laboratory services. American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. is the subsidiary of Air Liquide Group responsible for its North American operations.

Air Liquide USA LLC
Corporate Communications
Diane Labelle, 713-624-8082
or
Michael Rosen, 713-624-8023