Air Liquide launches Trescal, Metrology Services
Paris, April 1, 2004
Press Release
Air Liquide launches Trescal,
the Group’s new metrology services trademark in Europe
Air Liquide has finalized its acquisition of Livingston's metrology business in continental Europe. This transaction was first announced on December 22, 2003, and has now been approved by all of the relevant competition authorities. This purchase supports a number of earlier acquisitions and shareholdings. The Group’s metrology services now include companies in France, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and the Benelux region.
These companies will progressively use the common trademark : Trescal
Metrology, which includes calibration and measurement, is a key aspect of our customers’ production processes. As with industrial gases, it plays an essential role in ensuring product quality. Air Liquide began operations in this area in 1999 when it created a metrology services activity, primarily related to METROTECH, based in France. This company has developed rapidly over the last four years, thanks to strong internal growth and some external acquisitions. Sales have gone from a little more than 3 million euros in 1999 to more than 13 million in 2003.
The acquisition of Livingston’s metrology activities in continental Europe allows Air Liquide to enlarge its offer. The Group’s metrology operations now include more than 40 sites in Europe, with around 900 employees, and annual earnings of about 80 million euros, while serving over 10,000 customers. This new organization will offer customers, particularly in Europe, an enlarged range of metrology equipment and services. The diverse list of customers served include: the automotive industry, aeronautics, telecommunications, defense, electronics, shipbuilding, railroad construction, energy, chemicals/pharmaceuticals, food processing and the iron and steel industry.
Metrology is an important and complimentary part of our Industrial Customers business line. It will continue to expand through organic growth while being reinforced by targeted acquisitions as opportunities arise.
***************
Present in 65 countries, Air Liquide supplies industrial and mechanical gases and related services. The Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies. These solutions help to protect life and enable our customers to manufacture many indispensable everyday products, thereby promoting sustainable development. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has more than 31 900 employees. The Group has successfully developed a long-term relationship with its shareholders built on confidence 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 2003 totaled 8394 million euro, sales outside France accounted for 80%. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris stock exchange and is a component of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indexes – ISIN code FR0000120073.
For more information you may contact :
Investor Relations
Mathieu Baumgartner + 33 (0) 1 40 62 55 19
Caroline Morand + 33 (0) 1 40 62 55 41
Corporate Communications
Dominique Maire+ 33 (0)
1 40 62 53 56
Joëlle Ambon + 33 (0)
1 40 62 51 31
www.airliquide.com
