Smiths Group plc today announces that Stephen Phipson, President of Smiths Detection, will step down with immediate effect and divisional management will report to Group Chief Executive, Philip Bowman, in the short term.

Trading in Smiths Detection in the second half of its financial year has fallen short of the Board’s expectations as a result of continued delays to orders. Looking to the full year for Smiths Detection, the sales trends seen in the first half are likely to continue through the balance of the year, while full year margins may be affected by the associated operational gearing. Guidance for the other divisions remains unchanged.

The process to appoint a permanent replacement as President of Smiths Detection is underway.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the operations, performance and financial condition of the Group. By their nature, these statements involve uncertainty since future events and circumstances can cause results and developments to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of the press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Nothing in this press release should be construed as a profit forecast.

Smiths Group www.smiths.com is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. It comprises five divisions – Smiths Detection, John Crane, Smiths Medical, Smiths Interconnect and Flex Tek – that supply products and services for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.