Acquisition

Smiths Group PLC
19 October 2004

News Release
London, 19 October 2004
For immediate release

Smiths Group acquires US aerospace company for $110 million

Smiths Group announced today that it is acquiring Integrated Aerospace Inc., a
privately owned, California-based supplier of specialist landing gear systems,
for $110m (£61m).

Integrated Aerospace is a leading, sole-source supplier of landing gear products
for small aircraft including U.S. military helicopters, fighter aircraft,
business jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Examples include the F/A-18
Hornet and Super Hornet and the UH-60 Black Hawk. The company is also the
technology leader in external fuel tanks for fighter aircraft and helicopters.

Smiths chief executive, Keith Butler-Wheelhouse said: 'This acquisition, our
seventh in 2004, once again underlines Smiths' strategy of profitable growth
through the acquisition of businesses with technologies and products which
complement or expand our offering to the customer.'

Commenting on the expansion of the business, Dr John Ferrie, group managing
director of Smiths Aerospace said: 'Integrated Aerospace is a strong addition to
our actuation and aerial refuelling systems businesses. This acquisition now
enables Smiths to provide complete landing gear systems for helicopters,
business jets and the rapidly expanding market for UAVs. It also significantly
expands our capability in aerial refuelling systems.'

In the 12 months to September 2004, the turnover of Integrated Aerospace
totalled $50m (£28m). Smiths Group is satisfying the acquisition in cash funded
from the company's existing resources. The acquisition is expected to complete
in November, subject to regulatory approvals.

Smiths Group designs and manufactures safety critical systems and products, and
has market leading positions in aerospace systems, detection systems, medical
devices, mechanical seals, and interconnect products.

For further information, visit www.smiths-group.com

Notes to editors

About Integrated Aerospace:

Integrated Aerospace is headquartered in Santa Ana, California with an
additional manufacturing facility in nearby Signal Hill. The two buildings total
300,000 sq. ft. and the business has over 200 employees. It is a portfolio
company of Brockway Moran and Partners, Inc..

About Smiths Aerospace:

Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group plc, is the leading transatlantic
aerospace equipment company, with revenues approaching $2 billion and more than
10,000 staff split between Europe and North America. The company holds key
positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and
engine manufacturers and is world leader in digital, electrical and mechanical
systems, engine components and customer services.

                                     -Ends-

Contacts


Business & Financial Press          Caroline Harris         [phone]

Trade & Technical Press             Jennifer Villarreal     [phone]
                                    Heather Cox             [phone]

Investor Relations                  Russell Plumley         [phone]



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