Acquisition

Smiths Group PLC
16 March 2005


Smiths Acquires U.S. Seals Business for John Crane

Smiths Group today announced that it has strengthened its John Crane mechanical
seals business with the acquisition of U.S Seal from Superior Essex Inc. of
Atlanta, Georgia. The purchase price of $11.8m was paid in cash at closing.

Commenting on the acquisition, John Langston, Group managing director Smiths
Specialty Engineering Division said, 'US Seals will significantly extend John
Crane's sales to the replacement market for mechanical pump seals in the U.S. '.

Smiths Group designs and manufactures safety-critical systems and products, and
has market leading positions in aerospace, detection systems, medical devices,
mechanical seals and interconnect products.  For further information visit
www.smiths-group.com

John Crane, part of the Specialty Engineering division of Smiths Group, is the
acknowledged technology leader and the world's largest manufacturer of
Mechanical Seals and associated products. With a workforce of over 6000 people
in 47 countries, it provides an unrivalled global presence combined with
personalised local service and support.

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Contact

Media:      Caroline Harris                        [phone]
Investors:  Russell Plumley                        [phone]


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