SMITHS DETECTION acquired by CVC
Context
Smiths Group plc has entered into a definitive agreement to sell 100% of Smiths Detection to CVC Capital Partners, making the final major step in Smiths Group’s strategic portfolio reorganization. The strategic rationale for the deal is to reposition Smiths Group as a focused, high-performance industrial engineering company specializing in flow management (John Crane) and thermal solutions (Flex-Tek). For Smiths Group, the cash sale was preferred over a demerger as it provided immediate value realization for shareholders and capital for a £1 billion buyback program. For CVC, the acquisition represents a rare opportunity to acquire a global leader in the security technology space with high barriers to entry and an attractive financial profile, including a 16.3x operating profit multiple. The combined divestments of Detection and Interconnect represent a total enterprise value of £3.3 billion, effectively unlocking the group's "sum-of-the-parts" value.
SMITHS DETECTION, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2025, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the Industry & Manufacturing sector (11.6x).
Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.
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Target
Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for the military, air transportation, homeland security, and emergency response sectors. The organization specializes in advanced sensors and software that identify explosive, chemical, biological, and nuclear threats, as well as narcotics and contraband. Its business model focuses on mission-critical security infrastructure for airports, ports, and border crossings, utilizing sophisticated X-ray imaging and trace detection technologies. With a history of technical innovation, the entity provides comprehensive life-cycle services and digital solutions to ensure the safety of global travel and trade. Prior to its divestment, it operated as a major division of Smiths Group plc, maintaining a high-margin profile driven by regulatory requirements and long-term service contracts.
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Historical Financials (GBP)
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REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 1b - 4b GBP
Revenue range: 500M - 1b GBP
EBITDA range: 100M - 200M GBP
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Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).
Target: smiths detection
Acquirer: cvc