The firms with a neutral opinion agree with all the positive opinions of the bullish firms, but at the same time, remain concerned about the overall economic environment, given the ongoing weakness in the US manufacturing industry and the Company’s heavy exposure to the US economy, and industrial end markets.  The firms believe that the recent headwinds related to the slowing US construction and fabrication markets created significant near-term end market uncertainties, and weak product demand offsets a solid long-term secular growth story.  The firms believe that APD seems unlikely to walk away from its offer to acquire ARG. Another gas producer, Air Liquide, may enter to keep its peer from gaining a strong position in packaged gases.