“Our ADVANCE strategic plan was designed to provide innovative solutions to challenges that are here to stay.”
Indeed. My aim is to make Air Liquide the champion of climate solutions. This is an urgent priority for the planet, and for us all. At Air Liquide, we are already able to provide tangible solutions to the major challenges of decarbonizing industrial activities. Moreover, our solutions apply to both our own activities and those of our customers. Our expertise and our thorough understanding of their needs mean we can help our customers meet their climate commitments. For example, we are developing large-scale hydrogen technologies for industry and mobility, and I am proud to say that we have been pioneers in this field. We are also established in CO2 capture, biomethane and oxycombustion, all areas that are in growing demand. We therefore offer a wide range of technologies based on our key molecules. This is something our customers appreciate, as shown by our recent strategic partnerships with cement manufacturer EQIOM, refiner Eni and aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
Air Liquide’s major strength has always been its dynamic and diversified business portfolio, which is rich in potential sources of growth. I would like to mention two. First is electronics, where Air Liquide is currently a leading supplier of ultra-high purity gases and advanced molecules. A real revolution is taking place in this sector. The semiconductors market is growing rapidly, driven by the rapid development of artificial intelligence and connected objects, as well as by an increased need for North American and European sovereignty. This is evidenced by the establishment of several ”megafab”(4) projects. We are currently reinforcing our leadership position in these geographic areas. Our second major source of growth is of course healthcare, and in particular home healthcare. This sector is continuing to evolve, after having demonstrated its central role during the public health crisis. Our Group is making a contribution. Both at hospital and at home, our activity is committed to a transformation toward value-added offers for patients and healthcare professionals. By offering personalized support and innovative solutions, we aim to improve the quality of life of patients at the best cost for the healthcare system.
This figure is historic: 35% of the Group’s share capital is now owned by almost 750,000 individual Shareholders. This is unprecedented within the CAC 40, and we are particularly proud of this statistic. This figure shows how important it is for Shareholders to participate in economic and social progress through a group like ours. To our individual Shareholders, as to all our Shareholders, I would like to say: thank you. Thank you for believing in our Group. We are honored by your loyalty and trust. Rest assured that we are doing everything we can to keep Air Liquide one step ahead of the future.
I would also like to say: Air Liquide is your Group. You are a key part of our history, and I will carefully maintain the dialogue and close relationship that unite us throughout my tenure. For this reason, we will continue to expand our services and provide you with more opportunities to meet with us, during the Annual General Meeting but also throughout the year during visits to different regions.
Finally, I would like to assure you that I approach the year to come with unfailing energy and resolve, and with a great deal of composure. The coming months will undoubtedly be complex and full of surprises. But we are ready and determined each day to meet the needs and expectations expressed by our stakeholders to invent a more sustainable and meaningful future, together.
