Air Products Extends Takeover Bid for Airgas

The Associated Press reports that Air Products & Chemicals Inc. extended by two months the expiration date of its $5.1 billion hostile takeover bid for rival Airgas Inc., with Airgas reiterating its opposition to the offer. Air Products said late Tuesday it extended the $60-per-share tender offer to August 13. It was previously scheduled to expire June 4. Air Products said just under 16,000 shares have been tendered, which is less than 0.02 percent of Airgas'' outstanding shares. In February, Air Products took its takeover offer directly to Airgas shareholders. Airgas on Wednesday again urged shareholders to reject the offer, saying it grossly undervalues the company. The offer represents a 38 percent premium to Airgas'' closing price on Feb. 4, the day before the first offer was disclosed. Airgas added it remains on track to earn at least $4.20 per share in calendar year 2012.