Statement re. Press Comment

Smith & Nephew Plc
02 November 2006



Response to Press Speculation


2 November 2006


Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN) is constantly looking at opportunities
to maximise shareholder value, including looking at potential strategic
acquisitions.  In response to recent press speculation, the Company can confirm
that it has held very preliminary talks with the US medical devices company,
Biomet Inc.  No agreement has been reached, and there can be no assurance that
any transaction will be proposed or completed.  Smith & Nephew does not intend
to make any further comment, or respond to any enquiries, unless or until there
is further information to report.


There is no City Code transaction currently in contemplation.


Enquiries

Investors/Media

Debbie Scott                                           Tel:  [phone]
Smith & Nephew

David Yates                                             Tel: [phone]
Financial Dynamics - London

Jonathan Birt                                              Tel:  [phone]
Financial Dynamics - New York


Further information on Biomet, Inc. can be found at www.biomet.com and on 
http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/webusers.htm.


Forward-Looking Statements


This press release contains certain 'forward-looking statements' within the
meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  In
particular, statements regarding expected revenue growth and trading margins
discussed under 'Outlook' are forward-looking statements as are discussions of
our product pipeline.  These statements, as well as the phrases 'aim', 'plan',
'intend', 'anticipate', 'well-placed', 'believe', 'estimate', 'expect',
'target', 'consider' and similar expressions, are generally intended to identify
forward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors (including, but not
limited to, the outcome of litigation, claims and regulatory approvals) that
could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Smith & Nephew,
or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance
or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Please
refer to the documents that Smith & Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, including Smith & Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20F, for a
discussion of certain of these factors.


All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information
available to Smith & Nephew as of the date hereof.  All written or oral
forward-looking statements attributable to Smith & Nephew or any person acting
on behalf of Smith & Nephew are expressly qualified in their entirety by the
foregoing.  Smith & Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Smith &
Nephew's expectation with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or
circumstances on which any such statement is based.


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