2008-06-06 14:38:28 -

www.airgas.com - Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and operations of Energy Safety Services Incorporated, doing business as Oilind Safety. The business, a leading U.S. provider of rental safety equipment and safety services, generated about $21 million in revenues in 2007.

The companies expect to complete the transaction by

July 1, subject to customary closing conditions. Oilind Safety, which is based in Phoenix, AZ, will operate as a stand-alone company within a new Airgas organization that includes construction and rental businesses.

Effective June 1, Jack Appolonia has been promoted to vice president of construction and rental businesses, reporting to Mike Molinini, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Airgas, Inc. Appolonia had been an area vice president within Airgas East since August 2004, overseeing eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

"Jack helped develop the business model for the first construction branch in Philadelphia more than two years ago and has worked with many leading contractors in his area," said Molinini. "He and his new team, with the addition of Oilind Safety, will help us take our construction business to the next level."

When the acquisition is completed, Oilind Safety, headed by its current president, Kirk Peda, will report to Appolonia. Airgas intends to offer employment to more than 200 Oilind Safety associates working in 16 locations, primarily in the Western U.S.

"We are very excited to join Airgas and look forward to expanding opportunities for our people and our customers," said Peda. "The resources that Airgas can provide and the national marketing support will help Oilind Safety expand relationships with existing customers and open new opportunities for us."

Founded in 1963, Oilind Safety provides a complete line of rental safety equipment, such as fall protection, breathing air and gas monitoring systems, and safety management services for audits, training and emergency response planning.

In addition to Oilind Safety, Appolonia's team includes Mitch Imielinski, president of Red-D-Arc; Nevin Speicher, who leads construction marketing services; Mike Sommer, who leads a national construction sales team; and Rusty Coker, who leads business development of offshore, diving gas, and confined-space breathing air services nationwide.

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 the companies will complete the transaction by July 1, 2008; that the addition of Oilind Safety will help take Airgas' construction business to the next level; the hiring of Oilind Safety's employees; and the expectation of expanding opportunities for and relationships with Oilind Safety's customers. 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 complete the acquisition and successfully integrate Oilind Safety's operations, including retention of Oilind Safety's customers and employees; supply availability and cost pressures; an economic downturn; increased competition; customer acceptance of our products, including Oilind Safety's 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.

Airgas, Inc.
Investors:
Jay Worley, 610-902-6206
jay.worley@airgas.com
or
Media:
James Ely, 610-902-6010
jim.ely@airgas.com