Smiths sells medical capital equipment business

Smiths Group has sold Eschmann Equipment, the business within Smiths Medical division specialising in capital equipment for hospitals and clinics. Its products include operating tables, autoclaves, and electrosurgery & surgical suction equipment.

Eschmann, and its Singapore-based distribution company SIMS PTE Ltd, have been purchased by a group of private investors, led by David Instance, for approximately 11 million, in cash.

Smiths' Chief Executive, Keith Butler-Wheelhouse, said: Part of our core strategy in Medical is to concentrate on businesses that are strong in single-use disposable devices, principally in two areas: respiratory care/anaesthesia, and infusion therapy. Eschmann is a successful business serving a different market, and we believe it can realise greater potential under its new owners."

Eschmann is located at Lancing, West Sussex, and employs 230 people. SIMS PTE employs six people in Singapore.

ENDS