26 November 2013

Smith & Nephew to acquire Brazilian distribution of its advanced wound management products

Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, has agreed to acquire the assets and business of Politec Saúde relating to Smith & Nephew’s Advanced Wound Management products in Brazil.

In 2013 Smith & Nephew announced its intention to acquire its Advanced Surgical Devices distribution in Brazil, bought a mid-tier trauma business in India, and acquired a direct presence in Turkey. Through these transactions, together with today’s further acquisition in Brazil, Smith & Nephew is delivering on its strategic priority to build a sustainable Emerging Markets business.

Olivier Bohuon, Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Nephew, commented:

“Being closer to the customer is at the heart of our Emerging Markets strategy. Brazil is an exciting long-term opportunity and this is an important investment which creates a significant platform from which we can grow.”

Founded in 1973 and based in Sao Paulo, Politec Saúde is the sole distributor of Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management products registered in Brazil. This proposed acquisition comprises approximately one-quarter of Politec’s overall business. Politec will continue to operate its other businesses as usual, with its shareholding structure and management team unchanged.

It is planned that 30 employees will transfer to Smith & Nephew Brazil upon completion of the deal. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

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Enquiries

Investors
Phil Cowdy (Smith & Nephew)
+44 (0) 20 7401 7646

 Media
Charles Reynolds (Smith & Nephew)
+44 (0) 20 7401 7646 

Andrew Mitchell /Justine McIlroy  (Brunswick)
+44 (0) 20 7404 5959

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping improve people's lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma and Extremities, Smith & Nephew has almost 11,000 employees and a presence in more than 90 countries. Annual sales in 2012 were more than $4.1 billion. Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE 100 (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN).

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