Offer Rejection

RNS Number : 5348Z

Smiths Group PLC

14 January 2011

 

 

News Release

London, 14 January 2011

For immediate release

SMITHS GROUP REJECTS APPROACH FOR SMITHS MEDICAL

Smiths Group confirms that it has received an approach for Smiths Medical which it has rejected.

The value offered was £2.45 billion in cash, as a best and final offer, subject inter alia, to extensive due diligence and completion of financing.

The Board has carefully considered this approach with its advisers and has concluded that it would not be in the interests of shareholders to pursue discussions on the basis of an indication at this price level.

In reaching this conclusion, the Board has taken into account the quality and highly cash generative nature of Smiths Medical, both standalone and in the context of the Group as a whole.

Smiths Group (www.smiths.com) is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. It comprises five divisions - Smiths Detection, John Crane, Smiths Medical, Smiths Interconnect and Flex-Tek - that supply products and services for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.

Investor Relations
Peter Durman
[phone]

Media Relations
Colin McSeveny
[phone]

 

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