Global law firm White & Case LLP has advised Air Liquide on its first Yankee bond offering, comprising five series of notes for a total amount of US$4.5 billion.

The notes have maturities ranging from three to 30 years and bear interest at rates between 1.375 percent and 3.5 percent. The proceeds of the offering will contribute to the refinancing of the acquisition of Airgas, and to sustainably finance the Group's long term growth.

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and health, present in 80 countries with around 68,000 employees and more than three million customers and patients. During 2015 it generated revenue of €16.4 billion.

The White & Case team in Paris which advised on the transaction was led by partners Philippe Herbelin and Colin Chang and by counsel Max Turner, with support from associates Isabelle Touré-Farah and Linda Sharkey. Partner Alexandre Ippolito, with support from associates Charline Schmit and Thomas Chardenal, advised on tax aspects. Lawyers based in the Firm's New York office also provided advice.