Munich, 1 February 2016 - Lincare Holdings Inc., a US subsidiary of the technology company The Linde Group, has successfully closed the acquisition of US company American HomePatient, Inc. The intent to acquire American HomePatient was announced in early December 2015. US regulatory authorities have issued all requisite approvals. The acquisition strengthens Linde's growth in the promising homecare market and reinforces the company's position as global leader in this area of healthcare services. American HomePatient will be recognised in the consolidated balance sheet as of 1 February 2016.

American HomePatient is headquartered in Brentwood (Tennessee) and will be integrated into Lincare, expanding Lincare's patient base well beyond the 1 million mark. In fiscal year 2014, American HomePatient generated revenue of around EUR 260 million (USD 280 million). The company employs approximately 2,700 people in 220 branches across 38 states and is mainly active in the eastern United States. The company specialises in respiratory therapies to serve the needs of patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea).

About The Linde Group

In the 2014 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 17.047 bn, making it the largest gases and engineering company in the world with approximately 65,500 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term, profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment - in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information about The Linde Group, go to www.linde.com.

About Lincare Holdings Inc.

Lincare Holdings Inc., headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, is one of the nation's largest providers of oxygen and other respiratory therapy services to patients in the home. The Company provides services and equipment, operating from approximately 1,000 locations in 48 U.S. states and Canada, and employs approximately 11,000 people.

For more information, see Lincare Holdings Inc. online at: www.lincare.com.

Linde AG issued this content on 01 February 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 01 February 2016 11:04:03 UTC

Original Document: http://www.the-linde-group.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/news_20160201.html