Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | '{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Linde plc
| logo = [[Image:Linde.svg|190px]]
| image = [[Image:Angerhof.jpg|250px]]
| type = [[Public limited company]]
| traded_as = {{FWB|LIN}}, {{NYSE|LIN}}, [[DAX]] component, [[S&P 500]] component,
| isin = [[IE00BZ12WP82]]
| founder = [[Carl von Linde]]
| key_people = Steve Angel <small>(Chief Executive Officer)</small>, Wolfgang Reitzle <small>(Chairman of the Board) </small>
| industry = [[Chemical industry|Chemicals]]
| products = [[Industrial gas]] production, [[alkene]], natural gas and [[air separation]] [[physical plant|plant]] engineering, logistics services
| revenue = {{loss}} €16.948 billion <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/internet.global.thelindegroup.global/en/images/12831%20FB_en_online_2016-03-3014_253297.pdf|title=Annual Report 2015|accessdate=11 March 2016|publisher=Linde|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910010349/http://www.the-linde-group.com/internet.global.thelindegroup.global/en/images/12831%20FB_en_online_2016-03-3014_253297.pdf|archivedate=10 September 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{loss}} €4.098 billion <small>(2016)</small>
| net_income = {{profit}} €1.327 billion <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/internet.global.thelindegroup.global/en/images/12989_Linde-FB-2016-EN-online_2017-03-0814_401906.pdf|title=Annual Report 2016|accessdate=9 March 2017|publisher=Linde|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124195700/http://www.the-linde-group.com/internet.global.thelindegroup.global/en/images/12989_Linde-FB-2016-EN-online_2017-03-0814_401906.pdf|archivedate=24 January 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| assets = {{profit}} €36.281 billion <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2016"/>
| equity = {{profit}} €15.823 billion <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2016"/>
| num_employees = {{loss}} 59,715 <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2016"/>
| foundation = {{start date and age|df=y|1879}}
| location_city = [[Guildford]]
| location_country = [[United Kingdom]]
| homepage = [http://www.lindeplc.com www.lindeplc.com]
}}
[[File:GAN1800.jpg|thumb|''Linde Gas'' gaseus nitrogen plant.]]
'''Linde plc''' is an Irish-domiciled [[Multinational corporation|multinational]] chemical company formed by the merger of Linde AG of Germany (founded in 1879) and [[Praxair]] of the United States. It is the world's largest industrial gas company by market share as well as revenue. Linde shares are traded in Germany and the United States, and included in the [[DAX]] 30 and [[S&P 500]] stcok market indices.
The Linde Group has over 600 affiliated companies in more than 100 countries,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://resources.linde.com/International/Web/Linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/nav_locations|title=The Linde Group – Gases Engineering Healthcare -|publisher=resources.linde.com}}</ref> with customers in the industrial, retail, trade, science, research, and public sectors.
In September 2006 the company acquired its UK based competitor [[The BOC Group]], and subsequently disposed of its non-gas interests. Linde's former materials handling business was rebranded as [[KION Group]] in September 2006 and sold in November 2006 to [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts|KKR]] and [[Goldman Sachs]] for €4bn. In March 2007 the BOC Edwards semiconductor equipment business was sold to [[CCMP Capital]] for €685m.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/hugin_1111017|title=Ad hoc: Linde sells component business of BOC Edwards to CCMP Capital – News and Events > Adhoc News – Linde AG|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213625/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/hugin_1111017|archivedate=27 September 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Linde's revenue in 2016 were €16.948 billion, with 59,715 employees.<ref name="AR2016"/>
Following the BOC acquisition, The Linde Group has become the world's largest industrial gas company. In 2005, Linde AG and BOC together had 21% of the world's market in industrial gases followed by [[Air Liquide]] with 19%, [[Praxair]] with 13%, [[Air Products & Chemicals]] with 10%, [[Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation]] with 4%, [[Airgas]] with 3% and [[Messer Group]] with 1%.<ref>[http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/repositorybyalias/pdf_cheuvreux_ppt_jan07/$file/pdf_cheuvreux_pres_jan07.pdf Linde Conference Presentation, January 2007] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926042115/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/repositorybyalias/pdf_cheuvreux_ppt_jan07/$file/pdf_cheuvreux_pres_jan07.pdf |date=26 September 2007 }}</ref>
==Business activities==
The Linde Group today has two principal business areas: gas ([[industrial gases]] and medical gases), and [[engineering, procurement, and construction|engineering]]. In the industrial gas area the group trades under a number of established brand names including Linde, AGA, BOC, TIG, [[Mox-Linde Gases|MOX]], Afrox and PanGas. HiQ is used as an identifier for high purity and premium specialty gases across all of these business brand names.
In the medical gas area, Linde is known with the following names, Linde Gas Therapeutics, AGA Medical, INO Therapeutics, Linde Homecare, Farmadomo and Life Gas.
*Linde Gas supplies industrial gases, medical gases, specialty gases, refrigerants and other chemicals. Depending on the gas and the quantity required, these may be supplied in portable high-pressure gas cylinders, in liquefied form by road tanker, from on-site gas generators or in gaseous form via pipeline to large customers.
*Linde Engineering designs and builds large-scale chemical plants for the production of [[industrial gas]]es including [[oxygen]], [[nitrogen]], [[argon]], [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon monoxide]], as well as large plants associated with the processing of natural gas, [[LNG]], [[Liquefied petroleum gas|LPG]] and the manufacture of [[Alkene|olefins]].
==History==
[[File:Trinity - Explosion 15s.jpg|thumb|Uranium used to produce the United States' first atom bombs from 1942 to 1948 was processed by Linde Air Products in [[Tonawanda (city), New York|Tonawanda, New York]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Linde Air Products | publisher = National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health | date = 31 March 2011 | url = https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oerp/linde.htm | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140823/http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oerp/linde.htm | archivedate = 24 September 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> This company originally had been founded as U.S. branch of the German “Gesellschaft für Linde´s Eismaschinen Aktiengesellschaft” in 1907, but had been expropriated in 1917 and was integrated into [[Union Carbide]] & Carbon Corporation.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Linde: history of a technology corporation, 1879–2004|last=Dienel|first=Hans-Liudger|publisher=|year=2004|isbn=|location=|pages=82–83}}</ref>
The ''New York Times'' reported in 1981 that {{convert|37|e6gal|e6L|abbr=off|sp=us}} of radioactive caustic wastes from the [[Manhattan Project]] was dumped into nearby shallow wells specifically chosen "to hide the source of the contamination".<ref>{{cite web | last = Blumenthal | first = Ralph | title = Big Atom Waste Site Reported Found Near Buffalo | work = The New York Times | date = 1 February 1981 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/01/nyregion/big-atom-waste-site-reported-found-near-buffalo.html | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170304141139/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/01/nyregion/big-atom-waste-site-reported-found-near-buffalo.html | archivedate = 4 March 2017 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
]]
On 21 June 1879, [[Carl von Linde]] founded the ''Gesellschaft für Linde's Eismaschinen Aktiengesellschaft'' to develop further his work in developing mechanical refrigeration systems for the brewing and food industries. Following success in this market, he moved on to developing lower temperature systems resulting in 1895 in a patent covering the liquefaction of air. Out of this work his company developed equipment for the separation of air and other gases. Linde's process was patented in 1902 and immediately exploited by the first large-scale air separation plant installed in Linde's work in Höllriegelskreuth, near Munich in 1903.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Linde: history of a technology corporation, 1879–2004|last=Dienel|first=Hans-Liudger|publisher=|year=2004|isbn=|location=|pages=67}}</ref>
In addition to plants for air separation, in 1906 Linde engineers started working with others on processes to separate the constituents of [[water gas]]. This work developed into capabilities in the recovery of [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon monoxide]], which were further key feedstocks for the emerging chemicals industry.
In addition to his interests in refrigeration, Carl von Linde had also partnered with Hugo Güldner and [[Georg Krauß|Georg von Krauß]] and others in 1904 to form the Güldner Motoren-Gesellschaft mbH in Munich, which was moved to Aschaffenburg in 1906. Linde took full ownership of the company in 1929, and from this origin developed a business manufacturing first engines and tractors, and then from the 1950s onwards, a range of mechanical handling equipment such as [[fork lift]] trucks. Linde also acquired the Aktiengesellschaft für Industriegasverwertung ([[English Wikipedia|english]]: Corporation for Industry Gas Utilization ), commonly referred to as the [[Mittelwerk|Heylandt Works]].
Linde Air Products, since 1917 part of the Union Carbide & Carbon Corporation sued another company in 1950 for violating their patent on a welding process by simply substituting a similar material. In ''[[Graver Tank & Manufacturing Co. v. Linde Air Products Co.]]'', the United States Supreme Court established the [[doctrine of equivalents]] which found that, while not in the literal scope of the patent, the concept discovered by Linde was still being unfairly encroached upon without compensation.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Robert H. Jackson|Jackson, Robert H.]]|title=GRAVER TANK & MFG. CO., Inc., et al. v. LINDE AIR PRODUCTS CO.|url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/339/605|publisher=[[Legal Information Institute]]|date=29 May 1950|accessdate=10 July 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308103224/http://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/339/605|archivedate=8 March 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
A complex history of takeovers, mergers and divestments occurred, and in 2000 completed the acquisition of [[AGA AB]] of [[Sweden]]. This was followed in 2004 with the divestment of the original core of the Linde business – the refrigeration division – to [[Carrier Corporation]] of the USA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/likelindeeng.nsf/docbyalias/nav_ch|title=Linde Corporate Heritage|publisher=linde.com|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060320021110/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/likelindeeng.nsf/docbyalias/nav_ch|archivedate=20 March 2006|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In March 2006, Linde made a proposal to acquire [[The BOC Group]] for €11.7 billion in cash.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4777792.stm BBC] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070904102252/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4777792.stm |date=4 September 2007 }}, 6 March 2006</ref> The acquisition was completed on 5 September 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/likelindeeng.nsf/0/F8ACC68CBE329513C12571E0001F6430|title=Linde Corporate Homepage|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205182251/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/likelindeeng.nsf/0/F8ACC68CBE329513C12571E0001F6430|archivedate=5 February 2012|df=}}</ref> Following the acquisition, the combined gas and engineering group was rebranded as ''The Linde Group'', and the materials handling activities separated and rebranded as KION Group. It was also announced that the BOC Edwards equipment business was to be sold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/nav_merbrand|title=Linde Corporate Website|publisher=linde.com|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907155240/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/nav_merbrand|archivedate=7 September 2006|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In 2010 the group acquired over 95% of the shares of Sri Lanka based, Ceylon Oxygen Ltd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde-gas.com/de/news_and_media/press_releases/news_2010_1018_1.html|title=The Linde Group acquires majority stake in Ceylon Oxygen Limited & Media > Pressemitteilungen – Linde Industrial Gases|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720103031/http://www.linde-gas.com/de/news_and_media/press_releases/news_2010_1018_1.html|archivedate=20 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In June 2011, PT Linde [[Indonesia]], a subsidiary of the Linde group, announced its plan to build an air separation plant worth Rp.1 trillion ($117.33 million) in [[Cilegon]], [[Banten]], to supply industrial gas to PT [[Krakatau Steel|Krakatau Posco's]] steel plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/06/11/linde-indonesia-build-rp-1-trillion-air-separation-plant.html|title=Linde Indonesia to build Rp 1 trillion air separation plant|first=The Jakarta|last=Post|work=The Jakarta Post|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612092431/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/06/11/linde-indonesia-build-rp-1-trillion-air-separation-plant.html|archivedate=12 June 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In January 2012, the company acquired the Continental-European homecare business of the industrial gases company Air Products at an [[enterprise value]] of €590 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m6504_20120418_20310_2399133_EN.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2017-05-24 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408210041/http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m6504_20120418_20310_2399133_EN.pdf |archivedate=8 April 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This business achieved annual sales of €210 million in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m6504_20120418_20310_2399133_EN.pdfoducts|title=Case search – Competition|publisher=European Commission}}</ref> The transaction comprises Air Products' homecare operations in Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal and Spain with around 850 employees. In August 2012, the company acquired [[Lincare Holdings Inc.]], a healthcare gas provider in the USA for US$4.6 billion.<ref name="ft.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/9754efb6-c407-11e1-850c-00144feabdc0|title=Subscribe to read|website=Financial Times|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409043103/https://www.ft.com/content/9754efb6-c407-11e1-850c-00144feabdc0|archivedate=9 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Lincare Holdings had sales of US$1.8 billion in 2011. In August, the Linde Group completed the acquisition and became the largest home care gas supplier in North America.<ref name="ft.com"/> In December, the company acquired homecare company Calea France SAS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news_121217.html|title=Linde acquires homecare company Calea France SAS & Media > Press Releases -|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618000159/http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news_121217.html|archivedate=18 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In February 2016, Lincare Holdings acquired American HomePatient, Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news_20160202.html|title=Lincare, a Linde subsidiary, closes acquisition of American HomePatient – The Linde Group|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702072019/http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news_20160202.html|archivedate=2 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In December, Linde Korea completed the acquisition of Air Liquide Korea's industrial merchant & electronics and liquid bulk air gases divisions, based in South Korea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news-20161215.html|title=Linde Korea completes acquisition of Air Liquide Korea's industrial merchant and electronics on-site and liquid bulk air gases business in South Korea – The Linde Group|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702071053/http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news-20161215.html|archivedate=2 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
===Praxair merger===
{{see also|Praxair}}
In August 2016 it was publicly announced that the German company was in official negotiations to merge with the American competitor [[Praxair]], which would form the world's largest gas supplier.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/27db1610-6340-11e6-8310-ecf0bddad227.html |title=Praxair makes move for German rival Linde |last1=Fontanella-Khan |first1=James |last2=Massoudi |first2=Arash |date=16 August 2016 |website=Financial Times |access-date=23 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819033842/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/27db1610-6340-11e6-8310-ecf0bddad227.html |archivedate=19 August 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestreet.com/story/13675897/1/praxair-reportedly-in-talks-to-acquire-germany-s-linde.html |title=Praxair in Talks to Acquire Germany's Linde |last1=Iwasaki |first1=Mariko |date=16 August 2016 |website=TheStreet |access-date=23 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817190522/https://www.thestreet.com/story/13675897/1/praxair-reportedly-in-talks-to-acquire-germany-s-linde.html |archivedate=17 August 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/16/reuters-america-update-3-gas-supplier-praxair-opens-talks-to-buy-germays-linde.html |title=UPDATE 3-Gas supplier Praxair opens talks to buy Germay's Linde |last1=Stone |first1=Mike |last2=Hack |first2=Jens |date=16 August 2016 |publisher=[[CNBC]] |access-date=16 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913111334/http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/16/reuters-america-update-3-gas-supplier-praxair-opens-talks-to-buy-germays-linde.html |archivedate=13 September 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUSKCN10Q2AX?type=companyNews |title=Gas suppliers Praxair, Linde hold merger talks |last1=Stone |first1=Mike |last2=Hack |first2=Jens |date=16 August 2016 |agency=[[Reuters]] |access-date=16 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817161100/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUSKCN10Q2AX?type=companyNews |archivedate=17 August 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The following month in September the negotiations were halted and suspended indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/praxair-linde-call-a-halt-to-merger-talks-2016-09-12?mod=MW_story_latest_news|title=Praxair, Linde call a halt to merger talks|first=Eyk|last=Henning|publisher=marketwatch.com|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830005257/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/praxair-linde-call-a-halt-to-merger-talks-2016-09-12?mod=MW_story_latest_news|archivedate=30 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/fastft/2016/09/12/praxair-linde-terminate-60bn-merger-after-linde-disagreement/|title=Subscribe to read|work=Financial Times|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118071044/http://www.ft.com/fastft/2016/09/12/praxair-linde-terminate-60bn-merger-after-linde-disagreement/|archivedate=18 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/praxair-and-linde-call-off-merger-talks-1473663095|title=Praxair and Linde Call Off $60 Billion Merger Talks|first=Eyk|last=Henning|date=12 September 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724161928/https://www.wsj.com/articles/praxair-and-linde-call-off-merger-talks-1473663095|archivedate=24 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUSKCN11I0GQ|title=Linde, Praxair end $60 billion merger talks|date=12 September 2017|agency=Reuters|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830032432/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUSKCN11I0GQ|archivedate=30 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> As of mid December 2016 Praxair resumed negotiations with Linde for a potential merger.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/linde-resumes-merger-talks-with-praxair-1481122475|title=Linde Resumes Merger Talks With Praxair|first=Eyk|last=Henning|date=7 December 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517121616/https://www.wsj.com/articles/linde-resumes-merger-talks-with-praxair-1481122475|archivedate=17 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/29/praxair-re-approaches-linde-to-resume-merger-talks-report.html|title=Praxair reapproaches Linde to resume merger talks: Report|first=Antonio José|last=Vielma|date=29 November 2016|publisher=CNBC|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830110227/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/29/praxair-re-approaches-linde-to-resume-merger-talks-report.html|archivedate=30 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://global.handelsblatt.com/companies-markets/linde-ceo-resigns-praxair-talks-resume-657418|title=Linde CEO Resigns, Praxair Talks to Resume|date=7 December 2016|publisher=global.handelsblatt.com|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220184512/https://global.handelsblatt.com/companies-markets/linde-ceo-resigns-praxair-talks-resume-657418|archivedate=20 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/07/business/dealbook/linde-praxair-merger-talks.html|title=Linde of Germany to Resume Merger Talks With Praxair|first=Chad|last=Bray|date=7 December 2016|work=The New York Times|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218191559/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/07/business/dealbook/linde-praxair-merger-talks.html|archivedate=18 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mdm.com/articles/36469-linde-accepts-praxairs-offer-to-resume-merger-talks|title=Linde Accepts Praxair's Offer to Resume Merger Talks|publisher=mdm.com|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220145234/http://www.mdm.com/articles/36469-linde-accepts-praxairs-offer-to-resume-merger-talks|archivedate=20 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In late December an official announcement was made that Praxair had reached an agreement to merge with Linde in a deal valued at $35 billion and<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-20/linde-praxair-agree-to-merger-to-create-industrial-gas-giant|title=Praxair to Buy Linde for $35 Billion in Industrial-Gas Deal|date=20 December 2016|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605232043/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-20/linde-praxair-agree-to-merger-to-create-industrial-gas-giant|archivedate=5 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> with an overall merger value of $65 billion.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN17D11F|title=Linde rejects request to vote on Praxair merger at AGM|first=Reuters|last=Editorial|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416131233/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN17D11F|archivedate=16 April 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In April 2017 Linde again rejected a request for a shareholder vote at its annual general meeting in May – this is the second time the company has rejected Praxair's request.<ref name="auto"/> In May 2017, both companies reached a deal in principle on an all-share merger of equals valued at $75 billion,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN18T0HS|title=Linde turns to winning over investors to Praxair merger|first=Georgina|last=Prodhan|agency=Reuters|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602230133/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN18T0HS|archivedate=2 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> the deal will still need the approval of Praxair's board of directors as well as Linde's management and executive boards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-vote-idUKKBN18K184|title=Linde, Praxair reach agreement on details of merger|first=Reuters|last=Editorial|agency=Reuters|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524143443/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-vote-idUKKBN18K184|archivedate=24 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and if approved, will form a new [[holding company]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/potential-merger/index.html|title=Potential Merger – The Linde Group|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519095900/http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/potential-merger/index.html|archivedate=19 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In early June, both companies agreed to the merger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN18S5YB|title=Linde, Praxair agree $73 billion merger to create global gases leader|first=Georgina|last=Prodhan|agency=Reuters|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603093033/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN18S5YB|archivedate=3 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Storage tanks by Linde group, Schiedam-8228.jpg|''Linde Gas'' [[Schiedam]] Storage
Linde-Wasserstofftank.JPG|Tank for liquid hydrogen of Linde, [[Museum Autovision]], [[Altlußheim]]
TrailH2 DTMB Maerz 2008 (32).JPG|<!--Mobile Wasserstofftankstelle -->trailH2
Linde E20 Elektrostapler r.jpg|Linde E20<!-- Elektrostapler-->
Linde (previously AGA) air separation plant in Washington, West Virginia..JPG|Linde air separation plant in [[Washington, West Virginia]]
</gallery>
==Operations==
===Subgroups and service companies===
Linde AG comprises three subgroups. The largest division, Gases, has four operating segments, Western Europe, the Americas, Asia & Eastern Europe, and South Pacific & Africa. These segments are subdivided into eight Regional Business Units (RBUs).
The Gases Division also includes the two Global Business Units (GBUs) – Healthcare (medical gases) and Tonnage (on-site) – and the two Business Areas (BAs) – Merchant & Packaged Gases (liquefied and cylinder gases) and Electronics (electronic gases).
====Industrial Gases and Health Care====
Linde Industrial Gases produces and distributes the atmospheric gases oxygen, nitrogen and argon, all of which are manufactured in Linde's air separation plants.
The product portfolio includes hydrogen, acetylene, [[carbon monoxide]], [[carbon dioxide]], [[shielding gas]]es for [[welding]] applications, [[noble gas]]es and specialty gases.
In addition, Linde develops and distributes procedures and systems for gas applications in several technological application centres. Linde is the world's largest supplier of welding and safety products.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}
Linde Healthcare provides pharmaceutical and medical gas products and services for healthcare professionals.
Linde Healthcare is present in 70 countries.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}} Pharmaceutical and medical gases are used in the diagnosis or treatment of a number of clinical conditions. In addition to [[oxygen therapy]], aerosol therapy and [[anaesthesia]], Linde Healthcare provides medical gas solutions for [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[asthma]], [[sleep apnoea]] and pain.
====Linde Engineering====
The Engineering Division develops process plants in the [[engineering, procurement and construction]] (EPC) business worldwide. Linde Engineering focus on market segments such as plants for the production of hydrogen and synthesis gas, oxygen and [[olefin]]s as well as plants for natural gas treatment.
The group has more than 1,000 process engineering patents and 4,000 completed plant projects.
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/about_linde_engineering/index.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-06-06 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524082800/http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/about_linde_engineering/index.html |archivedate=24 May 2016 |df=dmy-all }}. Retrieved 6 June 2016</ref>
The product portfolio includes:
* [[Air separation]] plants
* [[Lng]] and [[Natural-gas processing|natural gas processing plants]]
* [[Hydrogen]] and [[synthesis gas]] plants
* [[Chemical plant|Chemical and petrochemical plants]]
* [[Adsorption]] plants
* [[Cryogenics|Cryogenic]] plants
* [[Carbon capture and storage|CCS]] and [[Carbon dioxide|CO<sub>2</sub>]] plants
* [[Furnace]]s, [[Incineration|incinerators]] and [[heater]]s
* Plant components<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/index.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-06-06 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605020200/http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/index.html |archivedate=5 June 2016 |df=dmy-all }}. Retrieved 6 June 2016</ref>
====Gist Limited====
Gist Limited offers [[supply chain]] services including end to end management and customer fulfilment. The company employs about 5,000 people in 40 locations in Great Britain, Continental Europe and America, with customers including [[Marks & Spencer]], [[Starbucks]], [[Morrisons]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gistworld.com/news/2015/gist-readies-noons-supply-chain-for-morrisons-ready-meals.aspx|title=News - GIST LIMITED|website=www.gistworld.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-11}}</ref>, [[Eat (restaurant)|EAT]], [[Young's Seafood]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gistworld.com/news/2016/gist-expands-supply-chain-partnership-with-young-s-seafood.aspx|title=Gist expands supply chain partnership with Young’s Seafood - GIST LIMITED|website=www.gistworld.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-11}}</ref> and [[Dairy Crest]]/[[Arla Foods]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gistworld.com/news/2017/gist-s-new-contract-with-arla-foods-uk.aspx|title=Gist’s new contract with Arla Foods UK in Northern England and Scotland - GIST LIMITED|website=www.gistworld.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-11}}</ref>.
==See also==
{{Portal|Companies}}
* [[The BOC Group|BOC Group]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://www.lindeplc.com Linde plc]
* {{PM20|FID=co/015196|TEXT=Documents and clippings about|NAME=}}
{{The Linde Group|state=autocollapse}}
{{DAX companies}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Linde}}
[[Category:Chemical companies of Ireland]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1879]]
[[Category:Industrial gases]]
[[Category:Companies formed by merger]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | '{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Linde plc
| logo = [[Image:Linde.svg|190px]]
| image = [[Image:Angerhof.jpg|250px]]
| type = [[Public limited company]]
| traded_as = {{FWB|LIN}}, {{NYSE|LIN}}, [[DAX]] component, [[S&P 500]] component,
| isin = [[IE00BZ12WP82]]
| founder = [[Carl von Linde]]
| key_people = Steve Angel <small>(Chief Executive Officer)</small>, Wolfgang Reitzle <small>(Chairman of the Board) </small>
| industry = [[Chemical industry|Chemicals]]
| products = [[Industrial gas]] production, [[alkene]], natural gas and [[air separation]] [[physical plant|plant]] engineering, logistics services
| revenue = {{loss}} €16.948 billion <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/internet.global.thelindegroup.global/en/images/12831%20FB_en_online_2016-03-3014_253297.pdf|title=Annual Report 2015|accessdate=11 March 2016|publisher=Linde|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910010349/http://www.the-linde-group.com/internet.global.thelindegroup.global/en/images/12831%20FB_en_online_2016-03-3014_253297.pdf|archivedate=10 September 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{loss}} €4.098 billion <small>(2016)</small>
| net_income = {{profit}} €1.327 billion <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/internet.global.thelindegroup.global/en/images/12989_Linde-FB-2016-EN-online_2017-03-0814_401906.pdf|title=Annual Report 2016|accessdate=9 March 2017|publisher=Linde|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124195700/http://www.the-linde-group.com/internet.global.thelindegroup.global/en/images/12989_Linde-FB-2016-EN-online_2017-03-0814_401906.pdf|archivedate=24 January 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| assets = {{profit}} €36.281 billion <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2016"/>
| equity = {{profit}} €15.823 billion <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2016"/>
| num_employees = {{loss}} 59,715 <small>(2016)</small><ref name="AR2016"/>
| foundation = {{start date and age|df=y|1879}}
| location_city = [[Guildford]]
| location_country = [[United Kingdom]]
| homepage = [http://www.lindeplc.com www.lindeplc.com]
}}
[[File:GAN1800.jpg|thumb|''Linde Gas'' gaseus nitrogen plant.]]
'''Linde plc''' is an Irish-domiciled [[Multinational corporation|multinational]] chemical company formed by the merger of Linde AG of Germany (founded in 1879) and [[Praxair]] of the United States. It is the world's largest industrial gas company by market share as well as revenue. Linde shares are traded in Germany and the United States, and included in the [[DAX]] 30 and [[S&P 500]] stock market indices.
The Linde Group has over 600 affiliated companies in more than 100 countries,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://resources.linde.com/International/Web/Linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/nav_locations|title=The Linde Group – Gases Engineering Healthcare -|publisher=resources.linde.com}}</ref> with customers in the industrial, retail, trade, science, research, and public sectors.
In September 2006 the company acquired its UK based competitor [[The BOC Group]], and subsequently disposed of its non-gas interests. Linde's former materials handling business was rebranded as [[KION Group]] in September 2006 and sold in November 2006 to [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts|KKR]] and [[Goldman Sachs]] for €4bn. In March 2007 the BOC Edwards semiconductor equipment business was sold to [[CCMP Capital]] for €685m.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/hugin_1111017|title=Ad hoc: Linde sells component business of BOC Edwards to CCMP Capital – News and Events > Adhoc News – Linde AG|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213625/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/hugin_1111017|archivedate=27 September 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Linde's revenue in 2016 were €16.948 billion, with 59,715 employees.<ref name="AR2016"/>
Following the BOC acquisition, The Linde Group has become the world's largest industrial gas company. In 2005, Linde AG and BOC together had 21% of the world's market in industrial gases followed by [[Air Liquide]] with 19%, [[Praxair]] with 13%, [[Air Products & Chemicals]] with 10%, [[Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation]] with 4%, [[Airgas]] with 3% and [[Messer Group]] with 1%.<ref>[http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/repositorybyalias/pdf_cheuvreux_ppt_jan07/$file/pdf_cheuvreux_pres_jan07.pdf Linde Conference Presentation, January 2007] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926042115/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/repositorybyalias/pdf_cheuvreux_ppt_jan07/$file/pdf_cheuvreux_pres_jan07.pdf |date=26 September 2007 }}</ref>
==Business activities==
The Linde Group today has two principal business areas: gas ([[industrial gases]] and medical gases), and [[engineering, procurement, and construction|engineering]]. In the industrial gas area the group trades under a number of established brand names including Linde, AGA, BOC, TIG, [[Mox-Linde Gases|MOX]], Afrox and PanGas. HiQ is used as an identifier for high purity and premium specialty gases across all of these business brand names.
In the medical gas area, Linde is known with the following names, Linde Gas Therapeutics, AGA Medical, INO Therapeutics, Linde Homecare, Farmadomo and Life Gas.
*Linde Gas supplies industrial gases, medical gases, specialty gases, refrigerants and other chemicals. Depending on the gas and the quantity required, these may be supplied in portable high-pressure gas cylinders, in liquefied form by road tanker, from on-site gas generators or in gaseous form via pipeline to large customers.
*Linde Engineering designs and builds large-scale chemical plants for the production of [[industrial gas]]es including [[oxygen]], [[nitrogen]], [[argon]], [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon monoxide]], as well as large plants associated with the processing of natural gas, [[LNG]], [[Liquefied petroleum gas|LPG]] and the manufacture of [[Alkene|olefins]].
==History==
[[File:Trinity - Explosion 15s.jpg|thumb|Uranium used to produce the United States' first atom bombs from 1942 to 1948 was processed by Linde Air Products in [[Tonawanda (city), New York|Tonawanda, New York]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Linde Air Products | publisher = National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health | date = 31 March 2011 | url = https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oerp/linde.htm | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140823/http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oerp/linde.htm | archivedate = 24 September 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> This company originally had been founded as U.S. branch of the German “Gesellschaft für Linde´s Eismaschinen Aktiengesellschaft” in 1907, but had been expropriated in 1917 and was integrated into [[Union Carbide]] & Carbon Corporation.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Linde: history of a technology corporation, 1879–2004|last=Dienel|first=Hans-Liudger|publisher=|year=2004|isbn=|location=|pages=82–83}}</ref>
The ''New York Times'' reported in 1981 that {{convert|37|e6gal|e6L|abbr=off|sp=us}} of radioactive caustic wastes from the [[Manhattan Project]] was dumped into nearby shallow wells specifically chosen "to hide the source of the contamination".<ref>{{cite web | last = Blumenthal | first = Ralph | title = Big Atom Waste Site Reported Found Near Buffalo | work = The New York Times | date = 1 February 1981 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/01/nyregion/big-atom-waste-site-reported-found-near-buffalo.html | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170304141139/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/01/nyregion/big-atom-waste-site-reported-found-near-buffalo.html | archivedate = 4 March 2017 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
]]
On 21 June 1879, [[Carl von Linde]] founded the ''Gesellschaft für Linde's Eismaschinen Aktiengesellschaft'' to develop further his work in developing mechanical refrigeration systems for the brewing and food industries. Following success in this market, he moved on to developing lower temperature systems resulting in 1895 in a patent covering the liquefaction of air. Out of this work his company developed equipment for the separation of air and other gases. Linde's process was patented in 1902 and immediately exploited by the first large-scale air separation plant installed in Linde's work in Höllriegelskreuth, near Munich in 1903.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Linde: history of a technology corporation, 1879–2004|last=Dienel|first=Hans-Liudger|publisher=|year=2004|isbn=|location=|pages=67}}</ref>
In addition to plants for air separation, in 1906 Linde engineers started working with others on processes to separate the constituents of [[water gas]]. This work developed into capabilities in the recovery of [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon monoxide]], which were further key feedstocks for the emerging chemicals industry.
In addition to his interests in refrigeration, Carl von Linde had also partnered with Hugo Güldner and [[Georg Krauß|Georg von Krauß]] and others in 1904 to form the Güldner Motoren-Gesellschaft mbH in Munich, which was moved to Aschaffenburg in 1906. Linde took full ownership of the company in 1929, and from this origin developed a business manufacturing first engines and tractors, and then from the 1950s onwards, a range of mechanical handling equipment such as [[fork lift]] trucks. Linde also acquired the Aktiengesellschaft für Industriegasverwertung ([[English Wikipedia|english]]: Corporation for Industry Gas Utilization ), commonly referred to as the [[Mittelwerk|Heylandt Works]].
Linde Air Products, since 1917 part of the Union Carbide & Carbon Corporation sued another company in 1950 for violating their patent on a welding process by simply substituting a similar material. In ''[[Graver Tank & Manufacturing Co. v. Linde Air Products Co.]]'', the United States Supreme Court established the [[doctrine of equivalents]] which found that, while not in the literal scope of the patent, the concept discovered by Linde was still being unfairly encroached upon without compensation.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Robert H. Jackson|Jackson, Robert H.]]|title=GRAVER TANK & MFG. CO., Inc., et al. v. LINDE AIR PRODUCTS CO.|url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/339/605|publisher=[[Legal Information Institute]]|date=29 May 1950|accessdate=10 July 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308103224/http://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/339/605|archivedate=8 March 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
A complex history of takeovers, mergers and divestments occurred, and in 2000 completed the acquisition of [[AGA AB]] of [[Sweden]]. This was followed in 2004 with the divestment of the original core of the Linde business – the refrigeration division – to [[Carrier Corporation]] of the USA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/likelindeeng.nsf/docbyalias/nav_ch|title=Linde Corporate Heritage|publisher=linde.com|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060320021110/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/likelindeeng.nsf/docbyalias/nav_ch|archivedate=20 March 2006|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In March 2006, Linde made a proposal to acquire [[The BOC Group]] for €11.7 billion in cash.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4777792.stm BBC] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070904102252/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4777792.stm |date=4 September 2007 }}, 6 March 2006</ref> The acquisition was completed on 5 September 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/likelindeeng.nsf/0/F8ACC68CBE329513C12571E0001F6430|title=Linde Corporate Homepage|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205182251/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/likelindeeng.nsf/0/F8ACC68CBE329513C12571E0001F6430|archivedate=5 February 2012|df=}}</ref> Following the acquisition, the combined gas and engineering group was rebranded as ''The Linde Group'', and the materials handling activities separated and rebranded as KION Group. It was also announced that the BOC Edwards equipment business was to be sold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/nav_merbrand|title=Linde Corporate Website|publisher=linde.com|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907155240/http://www.linde.com/international/web/linde/like35lindecom.nsf/docbyalias/nav_merbrand|archivedate=7 September 2006|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In 2010 the group acquired over 95% of the shares of Sri Lanka based, Ceylon Oxygen Ltd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde-gas.com/de/news_and_media/press_releases/news_2010_1018_1.html|title=The Linde Group acquires majority stake in Ceylon Oxygen Limited & Media > Pressemitteilungen – Linde Industrial Gases|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720103031/http://www.linde-gas.com/de/news_and_media/press_releases/news_2010_1018_1.html|archivedate=20 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In June 2011, PT Linde [[Indonesia]], a subsidiary of the Linde group, announced its plan to build an air separation plant worth Rp.1 trillion ($117.33 million) in [[Cilegon]], [[Banten]], to supply industrial gas to PT [[Krakatau Steel|Krakatau Posco's]] steel plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/06/11/linde-indonesia-build-rp-1-trillion-air-separation-plant.html|title=Linde Indonesia to build Rp 1 trillion air separation plant|first=The Jakarta|last=Post|work=The Jakarta Post|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612092431/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/06/11/linde-indonesia-build-rp-1-trillion-air-separation-plant.html|archivedate=12 June 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In January 2012, the company acquired the Continental-European homecare business of the industrial gases company Air Products at an [[enterprise value]] of €590 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m6504_20120418_20310_2399133_EN.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2017-05-24 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408210041/http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m6504_20120418_20310_2399133_EN.pdf |archivedate=8 April 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This business achieved annual sales of €210 million in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m6504_20120418_20310_2399133_EN.pdfoducts|title=Case search – Competition|publisher=European Commission}}</ref> The transaction comprises Air Products' homecare operations in Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal and Spain with around 850 employees. In August 2012, the company acquired [[Lincare Holdings Inc.]], a healthcare gas provider in the USA for US$4.6 billion.<ref name="ft.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/9754efb6-c407-11e1-850c-00144feabdc0|title=Subscribe to read|website=Financial Times|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409043103/https://www.ft.com/content/9754efb6-c407-11e1-850c-00144feabdc0|archivedate=9 April 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Lincare Holdings had sales of US$1.8 billion in 2011. In August, the Linde Group completed the acquisition and became the largest home care gas supplier in North America.<ref name="ft.com"/> In December, the company acquired homecare company Calea France SAS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news_121217.html|title=Linde acquires homecare company Calea France SAS & Media > Press Releases -|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618000159/http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news_121217.html|archivedate=18 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In February 2016, Lincare Holdings acquired American HomePatient, Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news_20160202.html|title=Lincare, a Linde subsidiary, closes acquisition of American HomePatient – The Linde Group|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702072019/http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news_20160202.html|archivedate=2 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In December, Linde Korea completed the acquisition of Air Liquide Korea's industrial merchant & electronics and liquid bulk air gases divisions, based in South Korea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news-20161215.html|title=Linde Korea completes acquisition of Air Liquide Korea's industrial merchant and electronics on-site and liquid bulk air gases business in South Korea – The Linde Group|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702071053/http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news-20161215.html|archivedate=2 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
===Praxair merger===
{{see also|Praxair}}
In August 2016 it was publicly announced that the German company was in official negotiations to merge with the American competitor [[Praxair]], which would form the world's largest gas supplier.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/27db1610-6340-11e6-8310-ecf0bddad227.html |title=Praxair makes move for German rival Linde |last1=Fontanella-Khan |first1=James |last2=Massoudi |first2=Arash |date=16 August 2016 |website=Financial Times |access-date=23 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819033842/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/27db1610-6340-11e6-8310-ecf0bddad227.html |archivedate=19 August 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestreet.com/story/13675897/1/praxair-reportedly-in-talks-to-acquire-germany-s-linde.html |title=Praxair in Talks to Acquire Germany's Linde |last1=Iwasaki |first1=Mariko |date=16 August 2016 |website=TheStreet |access-date=23 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817190522/https://www.thestreet.com/story/13675897/1/praxair-reportedly-in-talks-to-acquire-germany-s-linde.html |archivedate=17 August 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/16/reuters-america-update-3-gas-supplier-praxair-opens-talks-to-buy-germays-linde.html |title=UPDATE 3-Gas supplier Praxair opens talks to buy Germay's Linde |last1=Stone |first1=Mike |last2=Hack |first2=Jens |date=16 August 2016 |publisher=[[CNBC]] |access-date=16 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913111334/http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/16/reuters-america-update-3-gas-supplier-praxair-opens-talks-to-buy-germays-linde.html |archivedate=13 September 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUSKCN10Q2AX?type=companyNews |title=Gas suppliers Praxair, Linde hold merger talks |last1=Stone |first1=Mike |last2=Hack |first2=Jens |date=16 August 2016 |agency=[[Reuters]] |access-date=16 August 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817161100/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUSKCN10Q2AX?type=companyNews |archivedate=17 August 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The following month in September the negotiations were halted and suspended indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/praxair-linde-call-a-halt-to-merger-talks-2016-09-12?mod=MW_story_latest_news|title=Praxair, Linde call a halt to merger talks|first=Eyk|last=Henning|publisher=marketwatch.com|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830005257/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/praxair-linde-call-a-halt-to-merger-talks-2016-09-12?mod=MW_story_latest_news|archivedate=30 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/fastft/2016/09/12/praxair-linde-terminate-60bn-merger-after-linde-disagreement/|title=Subscribe to read|work=Financial Times|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118071044/http://www.ft.com/fastft/2016/09/12/praxair-linde-terminate-60bn-merger-after-linde-disagreement/|archivedate=18 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/praxair-and-linde-call-off-merger-talks-1473663095|title=Praxair and Linde Call Off $60 Billion Merger Talks|first=Eyk|last=Henning|date=12 September 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724161928/https://www.wsj.com/articles/praxair-and-linde-call-off-merger-talks-1473663095|archivedate=24 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUSKCN11I0GQ|title=Linde, Praxair end $60 billion merger talks|date=12 September 2017|agency=Reuters|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830032432/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUSKCN11I0GQ|archivedate=30 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> As of mid December 2016 Praxair resumed negotiations with Linde for a potential merger.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/linde-resumes-merger-talks-with-praxair-1481122475|title=Linde Resumes Merger Talks With Praxair|first=Eyk|last=Henning|date=7 December 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517121616/https://www.wsj.com/articles/linde-resumes-merger-talks-with-praxair-1481122475|archivedate=17 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/29/praxair-re-approaches-linde-to-resume-merger-talks-report.html|title=Praxair reapproaches Linde to resume merger talks: Report|first=Antonio José|last=Vielma|date=29 November 2016|publisher=CNBC|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830110227/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/29/praxair-re-approaches-linde-to-resume-merger-talks-report.html|archivedate=30 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://global.handelsblatt.com/companies-markets/linde-ceo-resigns-praxair-talks-resume-657418|title=Linde CEO Resigns, Praxair Talks to Resume|date=7 December 2016|publisher=global.handelsblatt.com|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220184512/https://global.handelsblatt.com/companies-markets/linde-ceo-resigns-praxair-talks-resume-657418|archivedate=20 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/07/business/dealbook/linde-praxair-merger-talks.html|title=Linde of Germany to Resume Merger Talks With Praxair|first=Chad|last=Bray|date=7 December 2016|work=The New York Times|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218191559/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/07/business/dealbook/linde-praxair-merger-talks.html|archivedate=18 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mdm.com/articles/36469-linde-accepts-praxairs-offer-to-resume-merger-talks|title=Linde Accepts Praxair's Offer to Resume Merger Talks|publisher=mdm.com|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220145234/http://www.mdm.com/articles/36469-linde-accepts-praxairs-offer-to-resume-merger-talks|archivedate=20 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In late December an official announcement was made that Praxair had reached an agreement to merge with Linde in a deal valued at $35 billion and<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-20/linde-praxair-agree-to-merger-to-create-industrial-gas-giant|title=Praxair to Buy Linde for $35 Billion in Industrial-Gas Deal|date=20 December 2016|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605232043/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-20/linde-praxair-agree-to-merger-to-create-industrial-gas-giant|archivedate=5 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> with an overall merger value of $65 billion.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN17D11F|title=Linde rejects request to vote on Praxair merger at AGM|first=Reuters|last=Editorial|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416131233/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN17D11F|archivedate=16 April 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In April 2017 Linde again rejected a request for a shareholder vote at its annual general meeting in May – this is the second time the company has rejected Praxair's request.<ref name="auto"/> In May 2017, both companies reached a deal in principle on an all-share merger of equals valued at $75 billion,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN18T0HS|title=Linde turns to winning over investors to Praxair merger|first=Georgina|last=Prodhan|agency=Reuters|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602230133/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN18T0HS|archivedate=2 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> the deal will still need the approval of Praxair's board of directors as well as Linde's management and executive boards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-vote-idUKKBN18K184|title=Linde, Praxair reach agreement on details of merger|first=Reuters|last=Editorial|agency=Reuters|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524143443/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-linde-m-a-praxair-vote-idUKKBN18K184|archivedate=24 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and if approved, will form a new [[holding company]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/potential-merger/index.html|title=Potential Merger – The Linde Group|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519095900/http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/potential-merger/index.html|archivedate=19 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In early June, both companies agreed to the merger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN18S5YB|title=Linde, Praxair agree $73 billion merger to create global gases leader|first=Georgina|last=Prodhan|agency=Reuters|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603093033/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-linde-m-a-praxair-idUKKBN18S5YB|archivedate=3 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Storage tanks by Linde group, Schiedam-8228.jpg|''Linde Gas'' [[Schiedam]] Storage
Linde-Wasserstofftank.JPG|Tank for liquid hydrogen of Linde, [[Museum Autovision]], [[Altlußheim]]
TrailH2 DTMB Maerz 2008 (32).JPG|<!--Mobile Wasserstofftankstelle -->trailH2
Linde E20 Elektrostapler r.jpg|Linde E20<!-- Elektrostapler-->
Linde (previously AGA) air separation plant in Washington, West Virginia..JPG|Linde air separation plant in [[Washington, West Virginia]]
</gallery>
==Operations==
===Subgroups and service companies===
Linde AG comprises three subgroups. The largest division, Gases, has four operating segments, Western Europe, the Americas, Asia & Eastern Europe, and South Pacific & Africa. These segments are subdivided into eight Regional Business Units (RBUs).
The Gases Division also includes the two Global Business Units (GBUs) – Healthcare (medical gases) and Tonnage (on-site) – and the two Business Areas (BAs) – Merchant & Packaged Gases (liquefied and cylinder gases) and Electronics (electronic gases).
====Industrial Gases and Health Care====
Linde Industrial Gases produces and distributes the atmospheric gases oxygen, nitrogen and argon, all of which are manufactured in Linde's air separation plants.
The product portfolio includes hydrogen, acetylene, [[carbon monoxide]], [[carbon dioxide]], [[shielding gas]]es for [[welding]] applications, [[noble gas]]es and specialty gases.
In addition, Linde develops and distributes procedures and systems for gas applications in several technological application centres. Linde is the world's largest supplier of welding and safety products.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}
Linde Healthcare provides pharmaceutical and medical gas products and services for healthcare professionals.
Linde Healthcare is present in 70 countries.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}} Pharmaceutical and medical gases are used in the diagnosis or treatment of a number of clinical conditions. In addition to [[oxygen therapy]], aerosol therapy and [[anaesthesia]], Linde Healthcare provides medical gas solutions for [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[asthma]], [[sleep apnoea]] and pain.
====Linde Engineering====
The Engineering Division develops process plants in the [[engineering, procurement and construction]] (EPC) business worldwide. Linde Engineering focus on market segments such as plants for the production of hydrogen and synthesis gas, oxygen and [[olefin]]s as well as plants for natural gas treatment.
The group has more than 1,000 process engineering patents and 4,000 completed plant projects.
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/about_linde_engineering/index.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-06-06 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524082800/http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/about_linde_engineering/index.html |archivedate=24 May 2016 |df=dmy-all }}. Retrieved 6 June 2016</ref>
The product portfolio includes:
* [[Air separation]] plants
* [[Lng]] and [[Natural-gas processing|natural gas processing plants]]
* [[Hydrogen]] and [[synthesis gas]] plants
* [[Chemical plant|Chemical and petrochemical plants]]
* [[Adsorption]] plants
* [[Cryogenics|Cryogenic]] plants
* [[Carbon capture and storage|CCS]] and [[Carbon dioxide|CO<sub>2</sub>]] plants
* [[Furnace]]s, [[Incineration|incinerators]] and [[heater]]s
* Plant components<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/index.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-06-06 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605020200/http://www.linde-engineering.com/en/index.html |archivedate=5 June 2016 |df=dmy-all }}. Retrieved 6 June 2016</ref>
====Gist Limited====
Gist Limited offers [[supply chain]] services including end to end management and customer fulfilment. The company employs about 5,000 people in 40 locations in Great Britain, Continental Europe and America, with customers including [[Marks & Spencer]], [[Starbucks]], [[Morrisons]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gistworld.com/news/2015/gist-readies-noons-supply-chain-for-morrisons-ready-meals.aspx|title=News - GIST LIMITED|website=www.gistworld.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-11}}</ref>, [[Eat (restaurant)|EAT]], [[Young's Seafood]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gistworld.com/news/2016/gist-expands-supply-chain-partnership-with-young-s-seafood.aspx|title=Gist expands supply chain partnership with Young’s Seafood - GIST LIMITED|website=www.gistworld.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-11}}</ref> and [[Dairy Crest]]/[[Arla Foods]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gistworld.com/news/2017/gist-s-new-contract-with-arla-foods-uk.aspx|title=Gist’s new contract with Arla Foods UK in Northern England and Scotland - GIST LIMITED|website=www.gistworld.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-11}}</ref>.
==See also==
{{Portal|Companies}}
* [[The BOC Group|BOC Group]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://www.lindeplc.com Linde plc]
* {{PM20|FID=co/015196|TEXT=Documents and clippings about|NAME=}}
{{The Linde Group|state=autocollapse}}
{{DAX companies}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Linde}}
[[Category:Chemical companies of Ireland]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1879]]
[[Category:Industrial gases]]
[[Category:Companies formed by merger]]' |
