Creation of Smiths Medical

Smiths Group PLC
12 June 2003

Thursday 12th July 2002


Smiths announces creation of single company for medical division

Smiths Group today announced that its Medical division is streamlining its
business units into one global company to be known as Smiths Medical. This is
part of an ongoing strategy to enhance customer focus and further strengthen the
company for profitable growth. The brand names, including Portex, Deltec,
Graseby, Level One, Bivona, BCI, Wallace, Pneupac and PVB, will be retained to
maximise their presence in their markets. The move is part of the company's
increasing focus on specialist customer requirements in the global medical
devices market.


Commenting on the move, Group Board Member responsible for Smiths Medical,
Lawrence Kinet, said:


'This move will assist the transformation of Smiths Medical into a truly global
organisation with a more customer-oriented philosophy. We are positioning the
company to take maximum advantage of the rapid growth expected in our market
worldwide.'


Smiths Medical offers market leading solutions in the areas of airway
management, pain management, needle protection, arterial blood sampling,
temperature management, critical care monitoring, hospital and ambulatory
infusion, and vascular access.


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


Contact:                 Bernard Carey  [phone]
                         Caroline Harris [phone] (mobile phone)

Investor Relations:      Russell Plumley [phone]







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