International private markets investor CVC has announced the acquisition of Smiths Detection, a leading global provider of threat detection and security screening technologies for airports and critical infrastructure. The seller is Smiths Group plc. The purchase price is approximately £2 billion.
With this acquisition, CVC is building on its extensive experience in carve-outs and the successful development of newly independent companies. On this basis, Smiths Detection will further expand its strong market position and tap into long-term growth potential.
Smiths Detection, headquartered in the United Kingdom, employs around 3,400 people worldwide, including more than 1,100 field service engineers and over 500 research and development specialists. The company has a global presence with locations in Europe, the United States and Asia. Smiths Detection plays a leading role in aviation security: the company is the global leader in screening technologies for hand luggage, hold luggage and air cargo, supplying 47 of the world’s 50 largest airports. In addition to high-performance hardware, Smiths Detection has market-leading digital expertise, including in the field of automated detection algorithms.
The company is also active in other security-critical markets, including urban security systems for government and commercial buildings and public spaces, solutions for ports and border control, and specialised systems for identifying chemical threats for defence applications.
‘Smiths Detection’s leading technologies make a vital contribution to protecting people and critical infrastructure worldwide. We look forward to supporting the company in its next phase of growth and investing specifically in technological innovation, high-quality engineering and first-class service offerings,’ said Dominic Murphy, Managing Partner and Co-Head of CVC’s UK private equity team, and Conor Keogh, Managing Director at CVC.
James Mahoney, Partner and Head of CVC’s private equity activities in the aviation, defence and space sectors, added: ‘Smiths Detection’s strong market position, particularly its global leadership in aviation security, provides an excellent basis for sustainable value creation. We look forward to working with Jérôme de Chassey and his team.’
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 advisor to CVC. The investment is being made through the CVC Capital Partners IX fund.
