Subsids Tender Offer Extended

SMITH & NEPHEW PLC
27 August 1999


SMITH & NEPHEW EXTENDS TENDER OFFER DEADLINE FOR SHARES OF EXOGEN

Smith & Nephew plc, the worldwide healthcare group, today announced that the
tender offer for all of the outstanding share capital of Exogen, Inc. by one of
its subsidiaries is being extended to 12:00 midnight (New York City time) on
Tuesday 31 August 1999 to allow for delivery of all tendered shares.  Smith &
Nephew was informed that, as of 6:00 pm New York City time on Thursday 26 August
1999, 11,303,894 shares of Exogen stock had been tendered which, together with
the shares owned by Smith & Nephew, represent 94.75% of the outstanding shares.

Smith & Nephew also reported that all government and regulatory conditions in
respect of the acquisition have been satisfied, and that the acquisition of
Exogen is expected to complete in September.

Exogen, based in the US, is the leading producer of non-invasive ultrasound
devices for accelerated healing of bone fractures.  Exogen also has a portfolio
of pre-clinical developments, including non-invasive devices for cartilage
repair and osteoporosis treatment.

The tender offer was originally announced on 26 July for the 93.6% of shares in
Exogen not already owned by Smith & Nephew at a total price of £40m.

M G Parson 
Company Secretary
Smith & Nephew Plc