Biotrace, Smiths sniff world coup

A DEVICE developed by a British firm to fight bio-terrorists is to be sold around the world. Biotrace International makes 'sniff the air' instruments capable of detecting lethal microbes in under two minutes. Now the firm has joined forces with heavyweight avionics group Smiths to market the system to foreign governments. Biotrace shares jumped 7p to 136p, up from a year's low of 50p.

Last year Biotrace formed a joint venture company with the Ministry of Defence's science arm based at Porton Down to develop reagents able to detect biological weapons. Interest in the venture has attracted increasing attention since 11 September and the anthrax attacks on New York.

Smiths, through its Graseby arm, has been involved in a similar field for sometime, supplying agents able to detect deadly chemicals. Biotrace also supplies hygiene testing equipment to the food industry.

Brokers expect profits of £2.8m for the current year. They are unlikely to raise estimates until news emerges of any firm overseas orders for its bio equipment.