Acquisition

Smiths Group PLC
11 May 2001


            Smiths completes acquisition of Barringer Technologies


Smiths Group plc has completed its acquisition of Barringer Technologies Inc.
(NASDAQ: BARR), the leading US manufacturer of trace drug and explosive
detection equipment. At a special meeting today, Barringer shareholders
approved the transaction on the terms set out in the original announcement of
9 March, 2001. The net cost to Smiths is $49 million. The acquisition of
Barringer significantly extends Smiths' specialist Detection and Protection
Systems business, which has world leading products in chemical and biological
agent detection, and operates within Smiths Aerospace division.

Smiths Group is a global business with market-leading positions in each of its
four operating businesses: advanced aerospace systems; mechanical and polymer
seals; medical devices and critical care equipment; and specialised industrial
products for interconnect & air movement applications. Further information on
Smiths can be found on the company's website: www.smiths-group.com.

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         For further information: Richard Bayliss, tel: [phone]