Wiesbaden/Munich, 12 March 2007 - The technology group The Linde Group, today announced that it has sold the component business of its subsidiary BOC Edwards to the CCMP Capital, the international private equity firm, for a price equivalent to approx. EUR 685 million
(GBP 460 million). The contract was signed today and will come into effect on approval from the relevant anti-trust authorities and the fulfilment of the usual closing conditions.
The contract further stipulates that if CCMP Capital is successful in developing the business and subsequently exiting its investment - whether through an IPO or a trade sale to a strategic investor - Linde shall receive an additional payment equivalent up to approx. EUR 65 million
(GBP 45 million).
Following the acquisition of The BOC Group plc and the decision to concentrate on the international industrial gases and engineering business, Linde put BOC Edwards' component business (vacuum pumps and semiconductor components) up for sale. Linde will continue to develop the bulk and specialty gases businesses of BOC Edwards.
With over 4,000 employees worldwide, the components business of BOC Edwards achieved turnover of approx. EUR 860 million in fiscal 2006.
For further information:
Press
Uwe Wolfinger
Tel.: +49.89.35757-1320
Investor Relations
Thomas Eisenlohr
Tel.: +49.89.35757-1330