Proud to be part of The Linde Group On September 6, 2006, BOC and Linde combined to become The Linde Group. When two forces combine, something special can be created. Linde and BOC are a perfect match and the resulting gr......Proud to be part of The Linde Group On September 6, 2006, BOC and Linde combined to become The Linde Group. When two forces combine, something special can be created. Linde and BOC are a perfect match and the resulting group has a perfect position in the worldwide gases business. Not just in terms of sales but above all in its range of high quality products. The expanded company operates in some 70 countries, employs 53,000 people and has annual sales of €12.7 billion. The Linde Group is a genuine global player. As part of The Linde Group, BOC Gases, with its 120-year history of customer service continues to operate globally. Our business and reputation are built around our customers. Whatever the industry or interest, we continue to respond to its needs as quickly and effectively as possible. The ever-changing requirements of customers are the driving force behind the development of all our products, technologies and support services. Through our people we play a full and active role in communities around the world and are committed to the highest standards of safety and environmental practice. At the same time, we believe that the best way to assist any of the communities in which we operate is to build a successful business. The Linde Group adds value to a diverse range of industries and organisations worldwide. Thats why, as we continue to expand and develop, one thing will never change. We will always remain built around our customers. Divestments A number of BOC businesses have been divested following the merger. Press releases relating to the following divestments are available on www.linde.com: BOC Edwards - 12th March 2007. Linde sold BOC Edwards component business (vacuum pumps and semiconductor components) to CCMP Capital, the international private equity firm. See www.bocedwards.com. Linde will continue to develop the bulk and specialty gases businesses of BOC Edwards. See Electronic Gases Indura - 31 January 2007. Linde sold its 41 percent stake in the Chilean industrial gases and welding company Indura to its joint venture partner the family-owned company Inversiones Y Desarrollos, of Santiago, Chile. The divestment of the following BOC gases businesses was one of the antitrust conditions imposed by the European Commission arising from the acquisition of The BOC Group plc by Linde which became effective on 5 September 2006: BOC Gazy - 8th January 2007. The Linde Group sold BOCs Polish gases activities (BOC Gazy Sp z o.o.) to Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. BOC joint ventures in Asia - 21 February 2007. Linde and Air Liquide signed agreements to realign their join ventures in Asia. Linde will sell BOCs interests in the following to Air Liquide: Japan Air Gases, Tokyo (JAG) Singapore Oxygen (Singapore) (SOXAL) Vietnam Industrial Gases (Vietnam) Brunei Oxygen (Brunei).