11 March 2003

        BOC to acquire Air Products' packaged gases business in Canada         

(Windlesham, UK, 11 March 2003) The BOC Group announced today that its
subsidiary, BOC Canada Limited, has agreed to purchase the Canadian packaged
gas and related welding equipment business of Air Products (NYSE: APD). The
purchase price will be approximately Can$60 million in cash, which will be
funded through local borrowings. An additional Can$5 million could become
payable if certain performance conditions are achieved over the next three
years.

The acquisition is subject to various conditions including approval from the
Canadian regulatory authorities.

The acquisition of Air Products' business will add approximately Can$70 million
to BOC's existing compressed gas business in Canada. It will add four filling
plants and 25 branch and administrative locations and BOC will be able to
provide products and services to more customers over a wider area. BOC has been
serving its Canadian customers since the early 1950's, first as Canadian Oxygen
Limited before changing the name to BOC Canada Limited in 1996. The company has
established a strong reputation for good customer service and high quality
products.

Tony Isaac, chief executive of The BOC Group, commented, "We are impressed with
the Air Products business in Canada, and are pleased to purchase these
facilities and welcome to BOC the employees who work at these sites. The
acquisition reinforces BOC's commitment to the Canadian market and will enable
us to provide a wider range of products and services."

Contact:       Christopher Marsay, Group Manager - Investor Relations          
                                                                               
               Tel. 01276 477222 (International +44 1276 477222)               

Note for editors

The BOC Group, which serves two million customers in more than 50 countries, is
one of the largest and most global of the world's leading gases companies. It
employs more than 46,000 people worldwide and had annual sales of over �4
billion in 2002. Further information about The BOC Group may be obtained on the
Internet at http://www.boc.com



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