Air Liquide Acquires Electronics Materials Company, Voltaix

Air Liquide has finalized its acquisition of Voltaix Inc., a U.S. based electronics materials company. The agreement to purchase Voltaix was first announced on June 12.

This acquisition complements the Air Liquide ALOHA^TM product line of advanced precursors, and brings together synergies in molecule discovery and scale up, contributing to accelerate the introduction of a broader portfolio of new high-tech materials to semiconductor manufacturers and therefore enabling the increase in computing power and connectivity.

Founded in 1986, Voltaix is a manufacturer of materials used in the production of semiconductor devices and advanced solar cells, with expertise and global capabilities in silicon, germanium, and boron chemistries. It operates manufacturing facilities in the U.S. in Branchburg (New Jersey), High Springs (Florida) and Portland (Pennsylvania) and in South Korea in Sejong-si (South Chungcheong Province). The company employs 185 people worldwide.

Michael J. Graff, Senior Vice-President Americas and a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, commented: “This acquisition combines the resources and expertise of our two companies and creates synergies and growth opportunities to expand our markets and product offerings for semiconductor manufacturers around the world and to meet the growing consumer demand for increasingly powerful flat screens, tablets and smart phones. We welcome our new employees and look forward to continuing to provide customers with the highest levels of products, services, quality and reliability at the forefront of innovation.”

Peter de Neufville, Chairman of Voltaix Board and John de Neufville, Founder and Chairman of Voltaix’s Executive Committee, commented: “We are pleased to know that the legacy of what we have built at Voltaix, as a result of the contributions of so many talented and dedicated individuals, will now continue under the stewardship of Air Liquide, a company similarly committed to innovation and the needs of customers.”

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in 80 countries with close to 50,000 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide’s activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates for the good of society while delivering profitable growth and consistent performance.

Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry’s energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, home healthcare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.

A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide’s teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.

Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development approach. In 2012, the Group’s revenues amounted to € 15.3 billion of which 82% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.

Air Liquide Electronics

With over 3,500 employees and €1,222 million in revenue in 2012, Air Liquide Electronics has activities in ultra-pure carrier and specialty gases, new molecules, related equipment and customized services.

The Electronics division management is based in Asia to enhance its proximity to the markets for semiconductors, flat panel displays and solar photovoltaics.

ALOHA^TM

ALOHA^TM deploys its global competencies in the design, screening and manufacturing of novel precursors in close alignment with semiconductor industry leaders.

ZyALD^TM, TORuS^TM, SAM.24^TM and TSA are some of the industry’s recognized value added molecules that ALOHA^TM has successfully designed and industrialized over the years.