Smith & Nephew announces further optimisation of manufacturing footprint

Smith & Nephew (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, announces it has agreed to sell its Gilberdyke site in the UK along with the non-core nets and foams product portfolio and manufacturing equipment to SWM (NYSE: SWM), a global provider of highly engineered solutions and advanced materials. The site will be integrated into DelStar, acquired by SWM in 2013, which established SWM’s Filtration segment.

This action is in-line with Smith & Nephew’s strategy to optimise its global manufacturing footprint to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

The Polyurethane (PU) film products manufactured at Gilberdyke and used in the production of a number of Smith & Nephew’s Advanced Wound Management products will remain with Smith & Nephew and transfer to the nearby Hull site within the next two years. DelStar will acquire the rights to sell certain of these PU films.

Subject to satisfaction of customary conditions, the transaction is expected to complete by the end of 2014. The terms have not been disclosed.

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About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping healthcare professionals improve people's lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma & Extremities, Smith & Nephew has around 14,000 employees and a presence in more than 90 countries. Annual sales in 2013 were more than $4.3 billion. Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN).

For more information about Smith & Nephew, please visit our corporate website www.smith-nephew.com, follow @SmithNephewplc on Twitter or visit SmithNephewplc on Facebook.com

About SWM

SWM is a leading global provider of highly engineered solutions and advanced materials for a variety of industries. Although SWM primarily serves the tobacco industry, it also manufactures specialty papers for other applications and acquired DelStar, Inc. in late 2013 to further expand its product portfolio and the markets it serves.  SWM and its subsidiaries conduct business in over 90 countries and employ approximately 3,000 people worldwide, with operations in the United States, France, Brazil, Canada, Poland and China, including two joint ventures.  For further information, please visit the Company's Web site at www.swmintl.com.

Forward-looking Statements

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