Letter of Intent signed

Aortech International PLC 9 April 2002 AorTech International plc Intended US$52m acquisition of BD Critical Care business AorTech International plc ('AorTech'), the Scottish-based developer and manufacturer of cardiovascular devices, announces that it has entered into a non binding Letter of Intent with BD (Becton Dickinson and Co) to acquire BD's Critical Care business. Negotiations concerning the definitive agreement between the parties are continuing and a final announcement on the terms of the acquisition will be made in due course. BD's Critical Care business manufactures and sells speciality catheters, pressure transducers and related supplies for haemodynamic patient monitoring. In the year ended 30th September, 2001 turnover for the business based on unaudited management accounts was US$47 million. The purchase price payable by Aortech is expected to be circa US$52 million subject to adjustment. About one half of the purchase price is expected to be paid over approximately thirty (30) months, subject to sales performance adjustments. It is anticipated that the initial consideration will be met principally from debt finance and the Company's available cash resources. Under the proposed terms of this agreement AorTech will acquire BD's Yishun Critical Care manufacturing operations in Singapore and certain other assets, including inventory, intellectual property rights and a worldwide distribution network. The proposed transaction will be subject to the approval of AorTech's Board of directors and shareholders as well as BDs Board of directors. Eddie McDaid, Chairman and CEO of AorTech said, 'The acquisition of this business will add a complementary range of products which is expected to enhance market penetration of our TruCCOMS System throughout the world, and in particular in Europe, Asia and Japan. It will also broaden AorTech's management team, add an experienced sales team and give us a modern, low cost manufacturing plant in Singapore with approximately 350 employees.' 9th April 2002 ENQUIRIES: AorTech International plc Tel: 01698 746 699 Eddie McDaid, Chairman & Chief Executive College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020 Michael Padley Nicholas Nelson This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange D ACQIPMRTMMAMBIT