Japan Air Gases (JAG) and Toray Medical announce the signature of an agreement by which VitalAire Japan, a 100% subsidiary of JAG dedicated to the Homecare market, will acquire the Home Oxygen Therapy business of Toray Medical.

The business transfer is scheduled to take place on October 1st, 2005.

Vitalaire Japan is aiming at providing high-standard proximity services to patients and bringing advanced technology to the Homecare market. This business acquisition will enable VitalAire Japan to consolidate its position in selected geographical areas and targeted markets, and strengthen its organization towards 100% patient service satisfaction. In Japan, Home Oxygen Therapy market is anticipated to grow by 7 % annually in coming years, driven by the continuous aging of the Japanese society.

With the support of Toray Medical, Japan Air Gases will ensure that all means are taken as to continue providing expected level of service to all patients during this transition phase.

On this occasion, Guy Salzgeber, President and CEO of Japan Air Gases declared: “we are delighted to conclude this acquisition with TORAY Medical. It illustrates well our objectives of developing actively our healthcare business both through organic growth and acquisitions. JAG remains committed to bring the highest standard in medical gases, related services and technology to its customers.”

Japan Air Gases Ltd. (Headquarter: Tokyo, CEO and President Guy SALZGEBER, Capital: 10,509 million yen) was established in January 2003, on the purpose to integrate industrial and medical gas business of Japan Air Liquid Ltd. (established in 1907) and Osaka Sanso Kogyo Ltd. (established 1934) and operates business activities in Japanese market. Parent companies of Japan Air Gases Ltd. are 2 worldwide leading companies in the industrial and medical gas business, Air Liquide group (France - 55%) and BOC group (U.K. - 45%). Utilizing parent companies’ global technology and experiences, Japan Air Gases Ltd. is able to supply most advanced solutions to its customers. VitalAire Japan is a wholly owned Homecare dedicated affiliate of Japan Air Gases and was established since 1987.

Toray Medical Co. Ltd. (Sumida-ku, Tokyo, president: Motonaga Tanaka, capital: 575 million yen) was established in 1980 and is a wholly owned affiliate of Toray Industrial Co. Its main business line consists of dialysis treatment, medical devices, acute hemocatharsis products and pharmaceuticals.

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