Linde AG Supervisory Board extends CEO Reitzle’s contract

Munich, 12 May 2011 – At its meeting today, the Linde AG Supervisory Board resolved to extend the contract of Professor Dr Wolfgang Reitzle (62), Chief Executive Officer of Linde AG, by two years until May 2014. The contract was due to expire on 9 May 2012. The extension takes account of the age limit stipulated in the Group’s procedural rules.

"For many years, Wolfgang Reitzle has represented Linde in an exemplary manner, both within the Group and in its external relations," declared Dr Manfred Schneider, Chairman of the Linde AG Supervisory Board. "He has impressed us with his performance and leadership qualities. With Wolfgang Reitzle at the helm, Linde AG has made excellent progress in all areas. We look forward to working together in the future."

Professor Dr Wolfgang Reitzle has been a member of the Linde AG Executive Board since 10 May 2002 and its Chairman since 1 January 2003. His first term of office was due to expire on 9 May 2007, but on 24 May 2006 the Supervisory Board resolved to renew the appointment of Professor Dr Wolfgang Reitzle as Chief Executive Officer for a further five-year term expiring on 9 May 2012.

The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 48,700 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2010 financial year, it achieved sales of EUR 12.868 bn. 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. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at http://www.linde.com

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