Smiths Group Regulatory News (SMIN)

News Release

London, 19 January 2017

For immediate release

Smiths Group welcomes European Commission clearance for acquisition of Morpho Detection

Smiths Group plc ("Smiths Group") welcomes the European Commission's clearance of the proposed acquisition of Morpho Detection.

In order to secure approval in Phase I of the EU merger review process, Smiths Group proposed the divestment of Morpho Detection's explosive trace detection ("Trace") business. This divestment is conditional on the successful closing of Smiths Group's acquisition of Morpho Detection and on the European Commission's approval of the purchaser of the Trace business as a suitable purchaser.

Completion of the acquisition of Morpho Detection by Smiths Group remains conditional upon approval from the relevant authorities in the United States and certain other territories, among other conditions. Smiths Group continues to engage with these authorities in order to secure the necessary clearances as soon as possible.

ENDS

Contact details

Investor enquiries

Andrew Lappin, Smiths Group

+44 (0)20 7004 1657

+44 (0)78 0500 7035

andrew.lappin@smiths.com 

Kirsty Law, Smiths Group

+44 (0)20 7004 1672

+44 (0)75 8315 4386

kirsty.law@smiths.com 

Media enquiries

Andrew Lorenz, FTI Consulting

+44 (0)203 727 1323

+44 (0)777 564 1807

smiths@fticonsulting.com

Deborah Scott, FTI Consulting

+44 (0)203 727 1459

+44 (0)797 953 7449

smiths@fticonsulting.com

Smiths Group is a global technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange (SMIN) and operates a sponsored level one ADR programme (SMGZY). A world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies, Smiths Group delivers products and services for the threat & contraband detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets worldwide. Smiths Group employs more than 22,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com.

Smiths Detection is a leading global designer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, weapons, chemical agents, biohazards, nuclear and radioactive material, narcotics and contraband. Its range of detection technologies, including X-ray, trace detection and infra-red spectroscopy helps customers in the global transportation, ports and borders, critical infrastructure, military and emergency responder markets. Smiths Detection generated annual sales of £526 million for the year to 31 July 2016 and has over 2,000 employees worldwide. Smiths Detection's manufacturing centres are located in Germany, France, Malaysia, USA and the UK, and its products are sold in over 200 countries.

Disclaimer

This announcement contains certain statements that are forward-looking statements. They appear in a number of places throughout this announcement and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations and those of our officers, directors and employees concerning, amongst other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the business we operate. By their nature, these statements involve uncertainty since future events and circumstances can cause results and developments to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this announcement and, unless otherwise required by applicable law, Smiths undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements. Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast.

No statement in this announcement is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings per Smiths ordinary share for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per Smiths ordinary share. Prices and values of, and income from, shares may go down as well as up and an investor may not get back the amount invested. It should be noted that past performance is no guide to future performance. Persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser.