Following the acquisition of BOC by Linde, we have combined the gases activities of the former BOC Group and the Linde Gas division and grouped them together in our new Gases Division. In the 2006 financial year, due to the reorganisation of the Group, we no longer disclose consolidated earnings for the Gases and Engineering Divisions. The consolidation adjustments for the two divisions are allocated to Other activities.

During the financial year, the Gases Division achieved sales growth of 39.3 percent to €6.195 billion (2005: €4.448 billion). After adjusting for the consolidation of BOC, the increase in sales was 8.2 percent. Sales in proportion to the Gases Division’s interest in joint ventures amounted to €550 million in 2006.

Operating profit (EBITDA (Glossary)) rose 39.5 percent to €1.540 billion (2005: €1.104 billion). Excluding BOC, EBITDA was 11.0 percent above the prior year figure.

All the product areas and geographical regions contributed to this positive business performance.