Disclaimer :

The Competition DG makes the information provided by the notifying parties in section 1.2 of Form CO available to the public in order to increase transparency. This information has been prepared by the notifying parties under their sole responsibility, and its content in no way prejudges the view the Commission may take of the planned operation. Nor can the Commission be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information contained therein.

SECTION 1.2

Description of the concentration

1.2. Provide a summary (up to 500 words) of the information provided under Section 1.1. It is intended that this summary will be published on the Commission's website at the date of notification. The summary must be drafted so that it contains no confidential information or business secrets.

Linde AG (“Linde”) is the ultimate parent company of the Linde Group. Linde’s “Gas and Engineering” business comprises Linde’s worldwide activities in industrial (including medical) and specialty gases as well as plant construction. Spectra Gases, Inc. (“Spectra”) is a US-based company with its core business activities in the area of specialty gases.

On December 21, 2005, Linde Gas, Inc., a 100% indirect subsidiary of Linde, and the stockholders of Spectra have entered into a “Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement”. By means of the concentration, Linde will acquire indirect sole control over Spectra and its two European subsidiaries. Completion of the transaction is subject to the fulfillment of conditions precedent, including various regulatory approvals.

The transaction relates to a number of markets for specialty gases and gas mixtures.