Smiths Group focuses on global technology in security with $710m acquisition

Smiths Group plc has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Morpho Detection ("Morpho Detection" or the "Business"), a California-based detection and security solutions company, from Safran S.A. ("Safran") for an enterprise value of $710 million (£493 million1) (the "Acquisition"). The closing of the Acquisition is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. Upon closing, Morpho Detection will be merged with Smiths Group's Detection division.

Smiths Detection is a world leader in products and services that detect a wide range of threats, including explosive, chemical and radioactive materials, and contraband. Morpho Detection manufactures and supplies detection systems and services to improve mission-critical security at airports, borders and other high-risk critical infrastructure sites such as nuclear power plants, military installations and government buildings. It also provides extensive services to maintain and upgrade its broad installed base of equipment and related products. It is planned that the current product and service offerings of both businesses will be supported post-completion. Morpho Detection had total revenues of $320 million in 2015 with an operating margin of 18%, with aftermarket services including software representing more than half of total revenues.

Andy Reynolds Smith, Chief Executive of Smiths Group, said:

"The threat environment for people and critical infrastructure around the world is constantly evolving and becoming more complex and sophisticated. The response, to keep people safe and the world running, demands cutting-edge technology and cost-efficient solutions.

"Morpho Detection is a high quality business with a strong management team, and I am convinced that this combination provides a compelling competitive platform for product, service and technology leadership. The acquisition is consistent with our approach to increasingly focus investment in highly attractive technology-led areas, and will create significant value for shareholders and position us for long-term growth."

Strategic rationale
Strengthens Smiths Group's ability to develop and compete in attractive global threat detection segments with strong fundamentals, which are expected to grow by mid-single digits per annum over the medium to long term
Combination of complementary businesses will create a broad offering of leading mission-critical products and services to detect a range of threats and illicit activities in air transportation, ports and borders, critical infrastructure, and military and emergency response
Extensive international presence with strong routes to market in key segments and geographies, with continued growth opportunities in established US and EU markets and further potential in Asia
Creates the best-in-class technology and solutions provider in the sector, putting its global Research and Development capabilities to work in an evolving threat environment
Better placed to meet increasing customer requirements for high-technology, cost-efficient, through-life solutions and services
Acquisition will position Smiths Group well to develop long term recurring aftermarket services revenues
Software engineering capabilities will enhance opportunity for future networked solutions and integration of remote monitoring systems and diagnostics
Strongly cash generative combined business
Good cost and efficiency synergies identified
Benefits expected from the realisation of additional growth opportunities

Financial highlights
Enterprise value (EV) of $710 million (£493 million) on a cash free debt free basis
2015 operating profit of $56 million (18% operating margin) and EBITDA of $70 million
Expected annual cost synergies of c.$30 million to be delivered by the third full year following closing, with one-off integration costs of c.$30 million to achieve these synergies during the first 3 years of ownership
Pro forma EV acquisition multiples:
2015 EBITDA: 10.1x
2015 EBITDA including cost synergies: 7.1x
Mid-single digit EPS accretion expected in the first full year of ownership
ROIC expected to exceed Smiths Group cost of capital by the third full year of ownership
Pro forma Group net debt/EBITDA (31 July 2015) of 2.0x (excluding synergies)
Expect to retain a strong investment grade rating, with continued disciplined balance sheet management
In addition, the Acquisition generates a tax step-up benefit for Smiths Group 2

The consideration payable to Safran will be funded from a combination of Smiths Group's existing cash resources and available committed bank facilities.3

Information regarding Morpho Detection
Morpho Detection's primary focus is the sale of Computed Tomography Explosive Detection Systems ("EDS") for checked baggage and Explosive Trace Detection ("Trace") equipment to airports, government agencies and critical infrastructure customers, with its technology in use in 175 countries. The Business also provides services to improve, maintain and extend the life of its installed base of equipment and other manufacturers' products. In addition, Morpho Detection has developed proprietary software that increases operational efficiency and provides networking solutions to address customer requirements.

Morpho Detection's products are certified by the US Transportation Security Administration ("TSA"), the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, the European Civil Aviation Conference, the Civil Aviation Administration of China and various other regulatory bodies worldwide. Morpho Detection has strong, well established relationships with key customers including the TSA and numerous international airports including Heathrow. Headquartered in Newark, California, Morpho Detection currently has 860 employees globally. For the year ended 31 December 2015, Morpho Detection had revenue of $320 million, EBITDA of $70 million and operating profit of $56 million (18% margin). At 31 December 2015, Morpho Detection had gross assets of $699 million.

Transaction details and timing
Completion of the Acquisition is expected to take place in early 2017 and is conditional upon regulatory clearances in the US, Europe and certain other territories, as well as other customary closing conditions.

In the event that regulatory clearances are not obtained on terms that are satisfactory to Smiths Group, and subject to limited exceptions, Smiths Group can terminate the acquisition agreement and, in this case, will be required to pay a termination fee of $40 million (£28 million) to Safran.