Disposal

RNS Number : 7078H

Smiths Group PLC

16 July 2012

 

 

News Release

London, 16 July 2012

For immediate release

SMITHS SELLS SHARE OF US BIOMETRIC COMPANY FOR $77M

Smiths Group plc today announces the disposal of its minority stake in Cross Match Technologies Inc for up to $77 million as part of its strategy to manage its portfolio more actively and divest non-core activities.

The proceeds from the sale of its entire holding in the Florida-based biometric identification company to Francisco Partners, a private equity firm, comprise $69 million in cash on completion.  In addition, up to $8 million will go to an escrow account to cover working capital adjustments and to meet any possible legal claims for up to 15 months.

Smiths Chief Executive Philip Bowman said: "As I indicated at our interim results in March, we are looking to simplify our portfolio. This disposal helps us to focus on our core businesses in driving revenue growth, operational improvements, enhanced margins and strong cash conversion."

Smiths Group's investment in Cross Match, reflected in its accounts as an associate of Smiths Group with a book value of $36 million, stems from the 2002 purchase of Heimann Systems which included a biometrics business.  Heimann Biometrics was sold to Cross Match three years later in exchange for equity in Cross Match.

Investor Relations

Peter Durman
[phone]

Media Relations

Colin McSeveny
[phone]

Smiths Group

Smiths is a global technology company which is listed on the London Stock Exchange (SMIN) and operates a sponsored level one ADR programme (SMGZY). A world leader in the practical application of technologies, Smiths Group 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 23,000 people in over 50 countries.

 

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