Acquisition

Smiths Group PLC
24 November 2004



News Release

London, 24 November 2004

For immediate release


Smiths Group completes acquisition of U.S. aerospace company for $110 million


Smiths Group today announced the completion of the acquisition of Integrated
Aerospace Inc., a privately owned, California-based supplier of specialist
landing gear systems, as earlier disclosed, for $110m (£61m). This follows
approval from the U.S. regulatory authorities. Smiths Group is satisfying the
acquisition in cash funded from the company's existing resources.

Integrated Aerospace is a leading, sole-source supplier of landing gear products
for small aircraft including U.S. military helicopters, fighter aircraft,
business jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Examples include the F/A-18
Hornet and Super Hornet and the UH-60 Black Hawk. The company is also the
technology leader in external fuel tanks for fighter aircraft and helicopters.

Smiths chief executive, Keith Butler-Wheelhouse said: 'This acquisition, our
seventh in 2004, once again underlines Smiths' strategy of profitable growth
through the acquisition of businesses with technologies and products which
complement or expand our offering to the customer.'


Smiths Group designs and manufactures safety critical systems and products, and
has market leading positions in aerospace systems, detection systems, medical
devices, mechanical seals, and interconnect products.

For further information, visit www.smiths-group.com


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