Disposal

Smiths Group PLC
15 July 2002


Smiths sells industrial fan distributors

Smiths Group has sold the distribution business Fans & Spares Group Ltd, and a
separate distribution business in Ireland, for approximately £6.5 million in
cash. These formed part of the air movement activities of Smiths Industrial
division, together with fan manufacturing operations which are unaffected by
this transaction.


Fans & Spares has been acquired by a group of private investors which will merge
the business with their existing distributor of heating & ventilation products,
R&S Cartwright (Manchester) Engineers Ltd. The Fans & Spares network comprises
18 branches throughout the UK. The Irish distribution business has been sold to
a private investor. Together they generated annual sales of some £20m.


Smiths Group has market leading positions in aerospace systems, medical devices,
mechanical & polymer seals, and interconnect products.  For further information,
visit www.smiths-group.com



Press enquiries to:

Richard Bayliss

Tel: [phone]



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