Pre-Close Statement

Smith & Nephew Plc
25 June 2001


25 June 2001


SMITH & NEPHEW INDICATES STRONG START TO 2001


Smith & Nephew, the global medical devices company, today provided an update
ahead of the close period preceding the Interim Results announcement on 2
August 2001.

The first half of 2001 has seen the completion of Smith & Nephew's three year
strategic restructuring, with BSN Medical, the joint venture with Beiersdorf,
coming into operation and the completion of the sale of the Ear, Nose and
Throat business.

There has been a strong start to the year, with positive market conditions and
the group's investment in new products and its sales force accelerating
underlying sales growth in the ongoing businesses to 12%.

Chris O'Donnell, Chief Executive, said: 'This strong start to the year has
given us the confidence that our focus on advanced medical devices is working
and that our investments in new products and sales force are paying off.'



Enquiries:

Chris O'Donnell                   Tel: [phone]

Smith & Nephew plc



Peter Hooley                      Tel: [phone]

Smith & Nephew plc



Margaret Stewart                  Tel: [phone]

Smith & Nephew plc



David Yates                       Tel: [phone]

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