Disposal

Smiths Group PLC
2 July 2001


Smiths sells medical capital equipment business

Smiths Group has sold Eschmann Equipment, the business within Smiths Medical
division specialising in capital equipment for hospitals and clinics. Its
products include operating tables, autoclaves, and electrosurgery & surgical
suction equipment.

Eschmann, and its Singapore-based distribution company SIMS PTE Ltd, have been
purchased by a group of private investors, led by David Instance, for
approximately
£11 million, in cash.

Smiths' Chief Executive, Keith Butler-Wheelhouse, said: 'Part of our core
strategy in Medical is to concentrate on businesses that are strong in
single-use disposable devices, principally in two areas: respiratory care/
anaesthesia, and infusion therapy. Eschmann is a successful business serving a
different market, and we believe it can realise greater potential under its
new owners.'

Eschmann is located at Lancing, West Sussex, and employs 230 people. SIMS PTE
employs six people in Singapore.

Smiths 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.

-Ends-

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