Bullish firms believe Airgas’s strong market position and many strengths and growth opportunities, as well as ongoing investor rotation into cyclical recovery stocks favor ARG in the years ahead.   In addition to its strong market share, the firms believe Airgas has a strong brand identity, size and scale advantage, extensive U.S. distribution network, and product/service offering, diverse customer base, and a multifaceted growth formula. Airgas has a unique national footprint and a low cost position due to its long-term supply agreements with Air Products and BOC.  The firms believe that APD initial bid undervalues ARG. It also believes the two European players, Air Liquide and Linde, could be more logical buyers than Air Products because buying Airgas would provide them with a stronger U.S. presence to counter-balance their over-weight on slow-growth Europe.  However,  the firms consider Airgas to be a well-managed, high-quality name with an impressive long-term track record.