LONDON, March 12, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Smith & Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN) and Midland Medical Technologies (MMT) today announced an agreement for Smith & Nephew to acquire MMT, the global leader in metal-on-metal hip resurfacing.

Smith & Nephew has agreed to pay GBP67m in cash and loan notes for MMT, with additional payments of up to GBP33m in cash and loan notes based upon certain regulatory milestones being met. MMT, based in Birmingham, England, achieved sales of GBP20 million in 2003.

MMT's principal product is the BHR (Birmingham Hip Resurfacing), a hip procedure pioneered by UK orthopaedic surgeons, Mr. Derek McMinn and Mr. Ronan Treacy. Hip resurfacing, where the articular surfaces of the femur and acetabulum are replaced, leaving the femoral head substantially preserved, is a less invasive bone sparing approach to treating arthritis in younger or more active patients. Mr. McMinn and Mr. Treacy will remain actively involved with Smith & Nephew to further develop and train the medical community on the BHR procedure. MMT will be integrated into Smith & Nephew's global Orthopaedics Reconstruction business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Agreement has also been reached with Finsbury Instruments Limited, the manufacturer of the BHR, for the continued supply of the product.

The BHR procedure has been used in over 27,000 patients since 1997 and has significant clinical experience, particularly in the UK, Germany and Australia. Smith & Nephew intends to pursue Food and Drug Administration approval of the product in the United States.

Sir Christopher O'Donnell, Chief Executive of Smith & Nephew, commented: "This is an excellent technology acquisition which brings to Smith & Nephew the world's leading hip re-surfacing company and the most clinically proven product in a fast expanding area. Demand for less invasive and less traumatic surgery is increasing, particularly in younger or more active patients. The acquisition of MMT will expand an already industry-leading range of reconstructive implant technologies within our Orthopaedics business."

John Hatton, Managing Director of MMT, said: "This was the right time in the evolution of MMT to seek out a strategic partner to bring metal-on-metal hip resurfacing devices to the broader orthopaedic patient community. We look forward to working with Smith & Nephew to drive adoption of this truly bone-preserving surgery worldwide."

David Illingworth, President of the Orthopaedics business of Smith & Nephew, added: "With our existing OXINIUM technology, our pending US application for ceramic-on-ceramic, and the acquisition of the BHR metal-on-metal offering, we are confident that Smith & Nephew will possess the broadest and most comprehensive offering of bearing surfaces in the industry. We look forward to welcoming MMT employees into Smith & Nephew and to offering this innovative technology to our customers."

About Us

Smith & Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN) is one of the world's leading medical devices companies, specialising in Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management. Smith & Nephew ranks as the global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is the fastest growing full-line orthopaedics company in the world.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeon and healthcare professional customers, with whom its name is synonymous with the highest standards of performance, innovation and trust. The company has more than 7,000 employees and operates in 32 countries around the world, generating sales of over GBP1.2 billion.

Smith & Nephew will host a short conference call for the media at 2.45pm GMT/9.45 EST/6.45 PST. Please call Mo Noonan at Financial Dynamics in London on +44 (0)20 7269 7116 or Jonathan Birt at Financial Dynamics in New York on +1 212 850 5634 for details of the press call. A call for investors and analysts has been scheduled for 4pm GMT/11am EST/8am PST. For investors and analysts wishing to participate in the conference call please call Zehra Sinmaz at Smith & Nephew on +44 (0)20 7960 2257. This call can be heard live on the Smith & Nephew website at www.smith-nephew.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The company wishes to caution the reader that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product development and commercialization, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, the company's overall business strategy and other factors.

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