SSL has also sold the rights to the Scholl brand in Latin America to SPHCP. SSL will close its commercial facilities in Brazil and Argentina, but will retain commercial operations in Mexico to support other businesses.

Commenting on the technology sharing agreement and the sale of the Scholl rights in Latin America, Stuart Wallis, Chairman of SSL said:

'We have long admired SPHCP's innovations in footcare, and we believe that this long term agreement will benefit both parties, allowing new Scholl products to be introduced to the global market more efficiently and with faster lead times.'

'Our post-merger strategy review revealed that the Scholl brand in Latin America is difficult to sustain without the selling rights in North America. The sale will allow SPHCP to exploit the brand in the whole of the Americas, and will enable us to concentrate on developing the Scholl brand in the rest of the world.'

The consideration for the sale of the brand was US$10 million. Sales of Scholl products in Latin America for the thirteen month period ended 31 March 2000 were US$6.3 million.

For further information, please contact:

SSL International plc
Stuart Wallis, Chairman 020 7426 4680
Iain Cater, Chief Executive 01565 624000
Paul Sanders, Finance Director 01565 624000

Square Mile Communications
Louise Robson/Carys Jones 020 7601 1000