Acquisition

RNS Number : 2838U

Smiths Group PLC

13 May 2008

 



News Release

London, 13 May 2008

For immediate release

SMITHS BUYS CHINESE MICROWAVE ELECTRONICS FIRM 

SMITHS Group, the global technology company, today announces the purchase of Allrizon Tongguang, a Shanghai-based communications equipment firm, from private owners for an undisclosed cash sum.

Allrizon complements and extends Smiths Interconnect's microwave business. It focuses on the design and manufacture of radio frequency (RF) filters and related products for the wireless telecommunications infrastructure market. In calendar year 2007, Allrizon posted sales of £5.3 million. 

Paul Cox, Group Managing Director of Smiths Specialty Engineering, said: 'This acquisition  effectively adds to Smiths Interconnect's footprint in China where some 70% of the world's wireless telecommunications infrastructure equipment is made. 

'Allrizon offers first-class technology, providing new channels to market and enhanced relationships with the rapidly growing Chinese telecoms manufacturers.  Combined with Interconnect's existing activity in Shanghai, Allrizon will expand our manufacturing base and create a microwave centre of excellence aimed at securing business with both indigenous and international manufacturers that operate within China..'

Within China, Allrizon is a technology leader in its chosen field with a 40-strong engineering team among its 282 employees.

The global wireless communications market for RF filters and systems is estimated to be  £700 million and is forecast to grow by around 7% annually to 2011. Growth rates are even higher in China itself.

ENDS

Investor Relations                 Media

Peter Durman                         Chris Fox 

[phone]            [phone]

Smiths Interconnect 
Smiths Interconnect designs and manufacturers specialised electronic and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical systems for the wireless telecommunications, aerospace, defence, space and medical markets. For further information visit www.smithsinterconnect.com

Smiths Specialty Engineering
Smiths Specialty Engineering comprises three businesses: John Crane provides mechanical rotating seals used in process plants; Smiths Interconnect supplies components and sub-systems for connecting, protecting and controlling critical electronic and radio frequency systems; and Flex-Tek provides ducting and hosing for a wide range of applications, mainly for heating & ventilation and domestic equipment. Smiths Specialty Engineering employs 10,800 people. For further information visit www.smiths-specialtyengineering.com

Smiths Group 
Smiths is a global technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange. 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. Our products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com

 

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