SSL International plc, the global manufacturer and distributor of premium healthcare products, has issued the following statement in response to a comment via the Reuters News Agency regarding a former joint venture in India.

SSL International confirms that it has ended its joint venture with Nicholas Piramal in India. The minority share-holding in the joint venture vehicle, Scholl Piramal Limited, which operated the 'Scholl' footcare business with annual sales of less than £100k (one hundred thousand pounds sterling) has been transferred to SSL's condom joint venture, TTK-LIG Limited. The 'Scholl' products are now integrated with the business previously responsible for production, sales and marketing of SSL's other global consumer healthcare brand, 'Durex' condoms.

Commenting on the change Dieno George, Acting Chief Executive, said:

'The level of sales through the joint venture with Nicholas Piramal did not merit having two JV partners, and therefore, as part of the recent merger integration process, we were able to reduce overheads and improve efficiencies by placing the business into our condom joint venture in India, TTK - LIG.'

For further information please contact:-

SSL International

Dieno George (Acting Chief Executive) 01565 624000