Linde receives prime investment status for sustainability

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.

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.

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Uwe Wolfinger
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Thomas Eisenlohr
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