Airgas, Inc., In the Matter of

Airgas, Inc., the nation's largest distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, settled antitrust charges that its January 2000 acquisition of Mallinckrodt, Inc.'s Puritan Bennett Medical Gas Business eliminated competition in the North American market for the production and sale of nitrous oxide. Under terms of the order, Airgas is required to divest two nitrous oxide plants and related assets to Air Liquide America Corporation within 10 days after the Commission issues its final order. Nitrous oxide is a clear, odorless gas used mainly in dental and surgical procedures as an analgesic agent or as a supplement to anesthesia.