Linde AG

Lincare, a Linde subsidiary, closes acquisition of American HomePatient

DGAP-Media / 02.02.2016 / 09:33

Lincare, a Linde subsidiary, closes acquisition of American HomePatient

Munich, 2 February 2016 - Lincare Holdings Inc., a US subsidiary of the
technology company The Linde Group, has successfully closed the acquisition
of US company American HomePatient, Inc. The intent to acquire American
HomePatient was announced in early December 2015. US regulatory authorities
have issued all requisite approvals. The acquisition strengthens Linde's
growth in the promising homecare market and reinforces the company's
position as global leader in this area of healthcare services. American
HomePatient will be recognised in the consolidated balance sheet as of 1
February 2016.

American HomePatient is headquartered in Brentwood (Tennessee) and will be
integrated into Lincare, expanding Lincare's patient base well beyond the 1
million mark. In fiscal year 2014, American HomePatient generated revenue
of around EUR 260 million (USD 280 million). The company employs
approximately 2,700 people in 220 branches across 38 states and is mainly
active in the eastern United States. The company specialises in respiratory
therapies to serve the needs of patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease) and OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea).

The Linde Group
In the 2014 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 17.047
bn, making it the largest gases and engineering company in the world with
approximately 65,500 employees working in more than 100 countries
worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term,
profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international
business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly
towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the
environment - in every one of its business areas, regions and locations
across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products
that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information about The Linde Group, go to www.linde.com

Lincare Holdings Inc.
Lincare Holdings Inc., headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, is one of the
nation's largest providers of oxygen and other respiratory therapy services
to patients in the home. The Company provides services and equipment,
operating from approximately 1,000 locations in 48 U.S. states and Canada,
and employs approximately 11,000 people.

For more information, see Lincare Holdings Inc. online at: www.lincare.com

Further information:

Media Relations Investor Relations
Matthias Dachwald Dr Dominik Heger
Phone [phone] Phone [phone]

Stefan Metz Bernard Wang
Phone [phone] Phone [phone]


End of Media Release

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Issuer: Linde AG
Key word(s): Enterprise

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Language: English
Company: Linde AG
Klosterhofstraße 1
80331 München
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.linde.de
ISIN: DE0006483001
WKN: 648300
Indices: DAX
Listed: Regulated Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime
Standard), Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart; Regulated
Unofficial Market in Hanover; Terminbörse EUREX; SIX


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