Airgas Announces $600 Million Stock Repurchase Program

Airgas (NYSE: ARG) today announced a program to repurchase up to $600million of its outstanding shares of common stock. As of October 22, 2012,Airgas had approximately 77.3 million common shares outstanding.“Airgas is well-positioned for sustained long-term growth, and this sharerepurchase program reflects our confidence in the future,” said AirgasExecutive Chairman Peter McCausland. “Our balance sheet is solid, and wecontinue to generate strong cash flow, which affords us the opportunity torepurchase shares and realize attractive earnings accretion while continuingto fund our growth strategies.”Airgas may repurchase shares from time to time for cash in open markettransactions or in privately-negotiated transactions in accordance withapplicable federal securities laws. The Company will determine the timing andthe amount of any repurchases based on its evaluation of market conditions,share price, and other factors. The stock repurchase program has nopre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.About Airgas, Inc.Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation'sleading suppliers of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods,such as welding equipment and related products. Airgas is a leading U.S.producer of atmospheric gases with 16 air separation plants, a leadingproducer of carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largestU.S. suppliers of safety products, and a leading U.S. supplier ofrefrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. More than 15,000employees work in approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retailstores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities anddistribution centers. Airgas also markets its products and services througheBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong localpresence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For moreinformation, please visit www.airgas.com.