Full-Time
Produces trace-detection sensors for security
No salary listed
London, UK
In Person
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Smiths Detection provides sensors and systems that detect weapons, explosives, and other contraband to improve global security. Its product lineup centers on trace and material-detection technology used in security screening—devices and integrated systems that scan for traces or signatures of dangerous materials and raise alerts for operators, often connected to data analysis and monitoring software. The company differentiates itself through its long corporate heritage, its integrated approach spanning detection hardware, software, and global service support, and by expanding capabilities via strategic acquisitions (notably Morpho Detection) and focused maintenance/refurbishment services through Med Graphix to extend the life of deployed equipment. The goal is to help governments and organizations protect people and assets by delivering reliable detection solutions and ongoing lifecycle support that keep security gear operating over time.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Founded
1950
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Smiths Group plans PS1.5 billion return as interim profit declines. Friday, March 20, 2026 Smiths Group PLC on Friday posted a decline in both interim profit and revenue, and revised its full-year revenue growth outlook following the reclassification of Smiths Detection. The London-based engineering company reported £126 million in pretax profit for the six months that ended January 31, down 17% from £152 million a year prior. Driving the weaker earnings was a 1.0% top line contraction, as revenue fell to £915 million from £924 million. Chief Executive Roland Carter described 2026 as a 'significant year of progress' for the company, as it seeks to 'reposition Smiths towards higher growth and higher returns markets'. Smiths said it plans to return an additional £1.5 billion to shareholders through 2027, through a combination of a structured return and a further buyback programme. The company said it will utilise proceeds from the sale of Smiths Detection, adding that this capital return is in addition to the 2026 £1 billion buyback that is underway. In December, Smiths announced the sale of Smiths Detection to funds advised by CVC Capital Partners PLC at an enterprise value of £2.0 billion. Also in December, it agreed to sell its connectivity products and solutions business, Smiths Interconnect, to Molex Electronic Technologies Holdings LLC, at an enterprise value of £1.3 billion. On Friday, Smiths declared an interim dividend of 15.00 pence, up 5.4% from 14.23 pence. Looking ahead, Smiths provided an updated outlook to its financial 2026 guidance, following the reclassification of Smiths Detection as discontinued operations. The company sees organic growth for the financial year of 3% to 4%, down from 4% to 6% guided previously. Smiths reported revenue of £2.92 billion in financial 2025. Shares in Smiths fell 5.5% to 2,222.00 pence on Friday morning in London. 'Following the completion of the disposals, Smiths will be a focused, premium industrial engineering company. Our strategy is delivering significant value and supporting enhanced, sustainable returns, alongside our continued investment into Smiths, and commitment to a further £1.5 billion of returns to shareholders,' added CEO Carter.
Smiths Detection has enabled the launch of an automated International Remote Baggage Screening System between South Korea and the United States, led by Incheon International Airport Corporation. The system allows US Customs and Border Protection to screen checked baggage remotely before passengers land, eliminating traditional reclaim-and-recheck processes and reducing connection times by up to 20 minutes. The platform uses Smiths Detection's SecurePort-IRBS-K software with 22 licenses, integrated with HI-SCAN 10080 XCT computed tomography systems at Incheon's Terminal 2. Currently operational on the Atlanta route since August 2025, the system will gradually expand to Minneapolis, Seattle, Los Angeles, Detroit and Salt Lake City. The deployment represents the first fully automated, DICOS-based baggage screening workflow between two sovereign countries.
CVC announces acquisition of threat detection and security screening technology company Smiths Detection for £2 billion. CVC, a private markets investment firm, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Smiths Detection, a threat-detection and security-screening technology company for airports and critical infrastructure, from Smiths Group plc. Headquartered in the UK, Smiths Detection employs 3,400 people, including over 1,100 field service engineers and over 500 R&D professionals and operates from facilities across Europe, the US and Asia. The business has a global #1 position in aviation security - i.e. screening technology for carry-on bags, hold luggage, and air cargo at airports - where it serves 47 of the world's top 50 airports, with both industry-leading hardware and sector-leading digital capabilities, including automated detection algorithms. Smiths Detection also serves other critical infrastructure end markets such as urban security (screening systems for government and commercial buildings, public venues and spaces) and ports and borders (cargo and vehicle inspection) and the business has a leading niche chemical threat identification capability for defense end markets. Dominic Murphy, a Managing Partner and Co-Head of the UK private equity team at CVC and Conor Keogh, Managing Director at CVC, said: "Smiths Detection's industry-leading threat detection and security screening technologies play a crucial role in helping protect people and critical infrastructure worldwide. We look forward to supporting the business during the next phase of its growth and development through continued investment in technology innovation, high-quality engineering and best-in-class aftermarket service." James Mahoney, Partner and Head of CVC's private equity activities in the Aviation, Defence & Space sectors added: "We are excited to partner with Jérôme de Chassey and his team. Smiths Detection's strong market positions, anchored by its global leadership in aviation, create a compelling platform for long-term value creation." The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Barclays acted as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins acted as legal counsel to CVC. The investment will be made through CVC Capital Partners IX.
HSBC Holdings has appointed Brendan Nelson as group chair following a selection process that considered internal and external candidates. Nelson, who joined HSBC's board in 2023 and served as interim chair since October, previously worked at KPMG and held board positions at BP and Royal Bank of Scotland. Smiths Group has agreed to sell Smiths Detection to funds advised by CVC Capital Partners for an enterprise value of £2 billion. The London-based engineering firm expects net cash proceeds of around £1.85 billion, with completion anticipated in the second half of 2026. Combined with the recently announced sale of Smiths Interconnect, the transaction repositions Smiths as a focused industrial engineering company. The firm intends to return a large portion of proceeds to shareholders.
Former TSA administrator joins Smiths Detection board. Smiths Detection Inc. has appointed former Transportation Security Administration (TSA) administrator John S Pistole to the board of directors for Smiths Detection US. Pistole brings more than three decades of public service and national security leadership to the company. He previously served as deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2004 and TSA administrator from 2010, leading approximately 60,000 employees and overseeing security operations at more than 450 US airports. In his role as an outside director on the board, Pistole will provide strategic guidance in areas such as global security risk, screening innovation, regulatory engagement and transportation infrastructure protection. Pistole holds a bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, from Anderson University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Indiana University Robert H McKinney School of Law.