Airgas board turns down latest Air Products offer

Airgas Inc.'s board has unanimously rejected rival Air Products & Chemicals Inc.'s $5.88 billion acquisition offer.

Air Products raised its bid by 7 percent to $70 per share earlier this month, calling it the "best and final" offer in its 14-month pursuit of a deal.

Airgas' board said today that the offer is "clearly inadequate," saying the Radnor, Pa.-based company is worth at least $78 per share. Air Products' offer is set to expire on Jan. 14.

Airgas said Wednesday that it is recommending stockholders not tender shares into the revised bid.

Airgas sells industrial and medical gases and provides gas equipment, welding products, tools and safety gear. Air Products, based in Allentown, sells gases for industrial, medical and other uses.

Airgas shares closed yesterday at $63.22, up 31 cents; Air Products closed at $90.53, up 60 cents.