Acquisition

Aortech International PLC
23 August 2002



                              AorTech International plc

                               Proposed BD Acquisition


AorTech International plc ('AorTech' or 'Company'), the Scottish-based developer
and manufacturer of cardiovascular devices, announces that it will not be
proceeding with the proposed acquisition of the Critical Care business of BD
(Becton Dickinson and Company).


The Company announced at the time of its Preliminary Results in June that, due
to certain technical issues which arose during the due diligence process,
AorTech would not proceed with the transaction until those issues had been fully
resolved.  Upon further review of those issues, the Directors' have concluded
that it would not be in the best interests of AorTech to proceed with the
acquisition.


Eddie McDaid, Chairman of AorTech stated:


'Due to circumstances outside our control, we are unable to conclude the
transaction.  It has become apparent that the technical issues, which arose
during the latter part of our due diligence, could not be resolved to our
satisfaction.  As a result, it would not be in the interests of AorTech to
proceed.


'We are continuing with the sub-contract manufacture of our TruCCOMS catheters
at BD's plant in Singapore in accordance with our existing agreement.'


Bill Strachan, CEO of AorTech commented:


'I am optimistic that AorTech's range of innovative technologies provides a
strong platform on which to build.  We have recently concluded the next phase of
our rationalisation and reorganisation programme and I am pleased that one of
the positive impacts of this review will be a significant reduction in the
Company's cash burn.  The management of the Company will continue to focus on
our current technology base, particularly TruCCOMS, Elast-Eon, and the
tri-leaflet heart valve which we believe can create increased value for the
Company.'


                                                                23rd August 2002


ENQUIRIES:

AorTech International plc                                     Tel: [phone]
Eddie McDaid, Chairman
Bill Strachan, CEO


Bell Lawrie White & Co                                        Tel: [phone]
Clive Thomson / Elizabeth Kennedy

College Hill                                                  Tel: [phone]
Michael Padley / Clare Warren


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange