Molex has announced its acquisition of Smiths Interconnect for £1.3 billion, less than a year after acquiring AirBorn. This move aligns with Molex’s strategy to expand its footprint in aerospace and defence sectors. The deal is anticipated to finalise in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory clearances.
Smiths Interconnect, a subsidiary of the UK-based Smiths Group, is known for its advanced electronic components, microwave, optical, and RF products. These serve critical sectors, including aerospace, defence, medical, semiconductor test, and industrial markets. Joe Nelligan, CEO of Molex, stated, “The combination of Molex’s global scale, capabilities, and financial stability with Smiths Interconnect’s complementary technologies, products, customers, and footprint will enable us to expand our aerospace and defence business and support customers in new and innovative ways.”
The acquisition aligns with Smiths Group’s broader strategy to streamline its operations, focusing more sharply on its core industrial engineering activities. This follows the recent divestment of its US sub-systems business unit in October. Smiths Interconnect operates across 21 locations, including the US, Canada, Mexico, and several European and Asian countries.
The transaction values Smiths Interconnect at £1.3 billion, with the company reporting earnings of $86 million for the financial year 2025. This acquisition underscores Molex’s commitment to bolstering its technological capabilities and market presence in key industrial sectors.
