In the first six months as a brand focused group, trading performance to 30th September 2004 is satisfactory and is in line with the Board’s expectations.

Sales from our continuing business, after excluding the current year impact of the discontinued medical businesses, are expected to be in the region of £200 million approximately 3% ahead of last year after adjusting for an adverse foreign currency impact of c£8 million.

This growth results from positive performance in each of Durex, Scholl footcare and the group’s portfolio of locally owned brands. Scholl footwear sales, however, fell slightly compared with last year as the group moves to reposition this business ahead of the sell-in of the radically redesigned spring/summer 2005 range. Collectively, these brands make up some 90% of SSL’s new continuing business.

The remainder of our business achieved sales ahead of last year as a decline in sales of distributor products and unbranded condoms was more than compensated for by new sales of wound management and Hibi products to the purchasers of these businesses.

The disposals of the Regent Infection Control and Silipos businesses have been completed during the first half of the year. The transitional service arrangements relating to our recent disposals are on-going and are planned to cease by March 2005.

The interim results, which are to be announced on Thursday 18th November, will include updates on growth in contribution from the brand portfolio, our cost reduction initiatives and on key mid-term financial targets.

For further information, please contact:

SSL International plc
Garry Watts, Chief Executive
Mark Moran, Group Finance Director
Jan Young, Head of Investor Relations
020 7367 5760

The Maitland Consultancy
William Clutterbuck
020 7379 5151a