Air Movement Acquisitions

Smiths Industries PLC
10 April 2000

Smiths Industries adds to air movement activities

Smiths Industries has acquired AeroSonics Inc. in the US and Venair Technik in
Switzerland for a total of £5 million. The two privately owned businesses
bring complementary product lines to the company's activities in air movement
systems and will add more than £4m to sales.

AeroSonics manufactures products used for noise reduction in ducting systems
for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.
 
Venair Technik manufactures silicone and polyurethane industrial hoses and has
developed advanced extrusion technologies which Smiths Industries will
introduce into its UK and USA ducting businesses.

In addition to its air movement business, Smiths Industries is a world leader
in specialised interconnect products, advanced electronic and electrical
systems for the aerospace industry and single-use devices and critical care
equipment for the healthcare sector.