Smiths Group PLC bounced over 11% on Friday after detailing plans for a strategic shift which would see the engineering firm broken up.
Having faced pressure to sell parts of its four-division-strong business by US investment group Engine Capital, Smiths confirmed in a statement that two would be split off.
Electrical connectivity components maker Smiths Interconnect would be divested, as its detection division was also separated via a demerger or sale, it said.
In turn, focus would be placed on its “world-class” John Crane and Flex-Tek businesses, which produce mechanical seals and components to heat gas and fluids respectively.
Proceeds would be put to increasing share buybacks to £500 million, leaving an additional £350 million to be returned by December, before “enhanced” rewards ahead.
“The board has spent considerable time evaluating the options to maximise shareholder value and address the persistent discount to the significant value embedded within the group,” chief executive Roland Carter commented.
"We start from a position of strength and as we execute this strategy, we will become a more focused business with significant potential for future growth and value creation.
“Focusing on our world-class John Crane and Flex-Tek businesses and carefully managing the separation of Smiths Interconnect and Smiths Detection, we will deliver significant value for all stakeholders.”
Shares in the FTSE 100-listed firm climbed 11.5% to 2,080p.