Smith & Nephew Acquires Tauma and Orthopaedics Business of DeOst LLC and DC LLC; Terms Not Disclosed

Smith & Nephew plc (NYSE: SNN) today announces the acquisition of the trauma and orthopaedics business of DeOst LLC and DC LLC, a manufacturing company in the DeOst group. DeOst has distributed Smith & Nephew's products in Russia since 2009.The acquisition brings us closer to our customers through well-established commercial channels, allowing us to better understand needs and offer a fuller range of products and services. DC's local capability to manufacture mid-tier trauma products will enable us to reach more customers following recent changes relating to state tenders supporting Russian produced products.Olivier Bohuon, chief executive officer of Smith & Nephew, commented:"Smith & Nephew has grown its business in Russia since 2005. This investment, in-line with our strategy to build our platform in the Emerging Markets, significantly boosts our local presence and prospects and will enable us to take advantage of market dynamics and better serve Russian customers."Approximately 350 new employees have joined Smith & Nephew. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.