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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 8-K
Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (date of earliest event reported):
July , 1996
AIRGAS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-9344 56-0732648
_______________ _______________________ _____________
(State or other (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employee
jurisdiction of Identification
incorporation) No.)
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 550 Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087
____________________________________________________________
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (610) 687-5253
______________
____________________________________________________________
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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Item 5. Other Events
On July 26, 1996, Praxair, Inc. ("Praxair") filed suit against Airgas,
Inc. (the "Company") in the Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama. The
complaint alleges tortious interference with business or contractual relations
with respect to Praxair's Right of First Refusal contract with National
Welders Supply Company, Inc. ("National Welders") by the Company in connection
with the Company's formation of a joint venture with National Welders.
Praxair is seeking compensatory damages in excess of $100 million and punitive
damages. The Company believes that Praxair's claims are without merit and
intends to defend vigorously against such claims. <PAGE>
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
AIRGAS, INC.
Date: July 31, 1996 By: /s/ Hermann Knieling
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Hermann Knieling
President and Chief Operating Officer
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