SSL International plc ("SSL") the manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products is issuing a trading statement ahead of the announcement of its preliminary results, which will be on 5th June 2003.

SSL now expects sales for the year to 31st March 2003 to be £622 million. Consumer sales are £360 million, 6% ahead of last year. Underlying growth in consumer sales is close to 3% after adjusting for elimination of trade loading last year, with Durex and Scholl contributing a combined underlying sales growth of 4%.

Medical sales are £197 million, 7% ahead of last year's reported numbers. On an underlying basis, surgical glove sales are just ahead of last year in a very tough pricing environment, resulting in underlying medical sales being held at last year's level.

It is expected that the operating margin will be around 13% of sales, as cost cutting programmes continue on track. Net debt is expected to be around £300 million.

On 31st March 2003, SSL announced the conclusion of a strategic review undertaken by the Board. It concluded that the best way to create value for shareholders was to realise the value of the Medical division by means of disposal and to focus resources on the Consumer division. This process is now well under way and further information regarding the effects of the disposal will be given at the preliminary results announcement in June.

For more information contact:

SSL International plc (020 7367 5760)
Brian Buchan, Chief Executive
Garry Watts, Group Finanace Director
Jan Young, Head of Investor Relations

The Maitland Consultancy (020 7379 5151)
William Clutterbuck or Brian Hudspith