APD Air Products and Chemicals Inc

Air Products Boosts Homecare Presence in Chicago Area Ultra Care Acquisition is Solid Addition to Air Products Healthcare Family of Companies CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ultra Care, Inc. of Melrose Park, Ill., the nation's 8th largest privately held home medical company, is now a member of the Air Products Healthcare family. The acquisition of Ultra Care, with more than $30 million in sales and over 200 employees, was finalized in November, marking significant growth milestones for Air Products Healthcare, Air Products' (NYSE:APD) U.S. homecare subsidiary. "Ultra Care has held the distinction of being the largest privately held home respiratory and infusion company in Illinois," said Robert Cucuel, chief executive officer of Air Products' U.S. homecare business. "We intend to merge this exceptional company with our existing DependiCare operations based in Broadview, Ill. and, together, they will represent the most reliable and highest quality choice for patients and referral sources in Chicago, its surrounding suburbs and neighboring states. "Ultra Care is the kind of company we look for because of its successful business philosophy, capable management team and excellent reputation for patient care," Cucuel added. "With this addition to our Chicago-based business, we are pleased to be able to offer infusion services as part of our mix." In addition to the Ultra Care acquisition in November, Air Products purchased Rx Healthcare Group, Inc. of Monroeville, Pa., in August and Horizon Health Care Systems of College Point, N.Y., in July. The acquisitions are consistent with Air Products' strategy of establishing and expanding operations in key geographic regions east of the Mississippi River. During the company's 2004 fiscal year ending September 30, a total of six homecare companies were acquired. Sales of Air Products' U.S. homecare business are now approaching $300 million. Healthy sales growth, together with strong community involvement and low employee turnover, enabled Air Products Healthcare to capture first place as the Best Home Respiratory Provider in the country during this year's HME Excellence Awards competition sponsored by HME News and VNU Expositions in cooperation with American Association for Homecare. To view the entire press release, please visit Air Products' Press Room at: http://www.airproducts.com/PressRoom. DATASOURCE: Air Products CONTACT: Media Inquiries: Beth Mentesana, +1-610-481-2459, , or Investor Inquiries: Phil Sproger, +1-610-481-7461, , both of Air Products Web site: http://www.airproducts.com/

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