Linde receives prime investment status for sustainability

Munich, 14 July 2008 - The rating agency oekom research has
classified Linde AG as a particularly sustainable company. In its
Corporate Responsibility Rating report, oekom research assesses the
sustainability activities of around 1,000 listed companies worldwide.
With an overall rating of B-, Linde has now achieved prime investment
status for the first time and is therefore among the top-ranking
companies in its industry.

This rating qualifies Linde's listed shares as an environmentally and
socially ethical investment. The sustainability scale ranges from A+
(highest rating) to D- (lowest rating).

Attaining prime investment status confirms Linde is on the right
track in systematically implementing its sustainable and socially
responsible business strategy.

"Investing in sustainability-driven companies is about more than
environmental and social responsibility", concludes Oliver Ruedel
from oekom research, Senior Analyst responsible for the chemical
industry. "Opting for a sustainable investment also makes sound
financial sense. After all, resources are growing increasingly
scarce, and social conflicts hinder economic development".

The Linde Group is a world leading gases and engineering company with
more than 50,000 employees working in around 100 countries worldwide.
In the 2007 financial year it achieved sales of EUR 12.3 billion. The
strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards sustainable
earnings-based 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 web site at www. linde.com

oekom research is one of the leading rating agencies worldwide in the
field of sustainable investment. oekom research analyses companies
and countries with regard to their environmental and social
performance.
As an experienced partner of institutional investors and financial
service providers, we identify those issuers of shares and bonds
which are distinguished by the responsible management of their
businesses in relation to society and the environment. oekom
research's analyses are used by over 75 funds and currently influence
the investment of 87 billion euros' worth of assets under management.

For further information:

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Uwe Wolfinger Thomas Eisenlohr
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