Moss Pharmacy, the retail division of the European healthcare and pharmaceutical company Alliance Unichem, announces the purchase of the Scholl retail business in the UK and Ireland from SSL International plc, including the 57 Scholl leased retail premises and branch stock, for a consideration of approximately £3 million. This transaction furthers Moss's strategic plan of investment into related healthcare areas.

The Scholl outlets are in prime retail locations throughout the UK and Ireland and their current focus is on chiropody services, footcare and footwear. Moss will continue to offer the existing product range whilst actively developing healthcare advice and treatment elements of the business, in line with Moss's own bias towards professional healthcare advice. SSL will retain an active interest in the development of the business as Scholl products will continue to be sourced by Moss from SSL, while royalties will be received based on sales.

Barry Andrews, Managing Director of Moss Pharmacy, said:

"This is a very exciting development for Moss giving us great potential for growth and expansion of both ranges and branch numbers. We are looking to develop the retail potential of the existing sites and we have the opportunity to apply Moss retail concepts to Scholl and exploit Scholl's specialist skills in the Moss chain."

Iain Cater, Chief Executive of SSL International, said:

"This agreement is in line with our group strategy of concentrating on our core businesses, which include the manufacture and distribution of Scholl products. We are not retailers so it makes good sense to hand that aspect over to Moss, who are retailing and healthcare experts, while we continue to have an expanding outlet for our products."

Moss will run the Scholl outlets as a stand alone business with a separate management team, developing synergies between the two companies and drawing expertise from Moss as appropriate.

Enquiries:

Alliance Unichem plc:
Barry Andrews, Retail Director 020 8890 9333
Gavin Anderson & Company - Gerald Gradwell / Luisa Winnett 020 7457 2345

SSL International plc:
Iain Cater, Chief Executive 01565 624000
Dieno George, Group Managing Director, Continental Europe
Square Mile - Louise Robson 020 7601 1000