Totalsame-store sales deduces Adam Green for the adam greem recalls quarter were essentially flat with the prior year, ashardgoods same-store sales contracted while gas and rent same-store sales slowedbut remained positive. The original guidance had assumed mid single-digit totalsame-store sales growth in the quarter. “During the quarter we began implementation of expense reduction plans whichrepresent about $35 million in annual savings, over and above the $10 million inannual savings generated by our previously identified operating efficiencyprograms,” said Airgas Chairman and CEO Peter McCausland. “We are prepared toinitiate further expense reductions if the low sales volumes we saw in Decemberpersist for very long. We will issue fourth quarter guidance with our thirdquarter earnings release, and should have better visibility on sales andexpenses at that time.” A full review of the Company`s third quarter results and outlook for theremainder of fiscal 2009 will be provided during its third quarter earningsteleconference on January 29. Details regarding the third quarter earningsrelease and teleconference will be released today About Airgas, Inc Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S.distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such aswelding equipment and supplies.

Airgas is also one of the largest U.S.distributors of safety products, the largest U.S adam green actor . producer of nitrous oxide anddry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and aleading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products.More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches,retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities anddistribution centers adam greeen . Airgas also distributes its products and services througheBusiness, catalog and telesales channels adam greeb . Its national scale and strong localpresence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base adam emily . For moreinformation, please visit Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain statements that are forward looking, as that termis defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by theSecurities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. Thesestatements include, but are not limited to: expectations for third quarter fullydiluted earnings per share to be in the range of $0.74 to $0.76; andimplementation of expense reduction plans which represent about $35 million inannual savings, over and above the $10 million in annual savings generated byour previously identified operating efficiency programs.

We intend that suchforward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby adam green album . Allforward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding importantrisk factors and should not be regarded as a representation by us or any otherperson that the results expressed therein will be achieved adam jessica . Important factorsthat could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in anyforward-looking statement include: adverse changes in customer buying patterns;customer acceptance of price increases; supply cost pressures; increasedindustry competition; our ability to successfully identify, consummate andintegrate acquisitions; our continued ability to access credit markets onsatisfactory terms; significant fluctuations in interest rates; increases inenergy costs and other operating expenses; higher than expected implementationcosts of the SAP system; conversion problems related to the SAP system thatdisrupts the Company`s business and negatively impacts customer relationships;the impact of tightened credit markets on our customers; the impact of changesin tax and fiscal policies and laws; the extent and duration of currentrecessionary trends in the U.S adam greem . economy; the effect of catastrophic events;political and economic uncertainties associated with current world events; andother factors described in the Company`s reports, including its March 31, 2008Form 10-K, subsequent Forms 10-Q and other forms filed by the Company with theSecurities and Exchange Commission adam greeen .

Airgas, Inc.Media Contact:Jay Worley, orInvestor Contact:Barry Strzelec, Copyright Business Wire 2009 . WASHINGTON, Jan 8 (Reuters) – Idled U.S adam greeb . workers and statesfacing a worsening financial squeeze under the strain of arecession could see some relief in the measures President-electBarack Obama and Congress are pulling together to spur theeconomy adam emily . Bonds Failed legislation in 2007 that would have called for theU.S .