SSL International plc ("SSL"), the consumer healthcare business is issuing a trading update for the year to 31st March 2007. The preliminary results for the year then ended will be announced on 22nd May 2007.

Total reported sales for the period are expected to be in the region of £477 million, approximately 6% ahead of last year or 7% on an underlying basis, i.e. after adjusting for adverse foreign currency movements and excluding the results from the Chinese joint venture acquired outright in January.

SSL's branded consumer sales are expected to be approximately £424 million with underlying sales growth of around 8%. Durex and Scholl Footcare have again been the main drivers of this growth with the continued roll out of the Durex Play range combined with the strong performance of Durex condoms and the new Scholl Footcare product innovations such as Scholl Cracked Heel Repair Cream. As expected Scholl Footwear has seen year on year underlying growth while sales of locally owned brands have been broadly flat.

Other sales, which include unbranded condoms and distributor brands, amounted to approximately £53 million, around 5% up on last year.

Based on this sales performance, SSL expects to achieve its double digit operating profit growth target for the year to 31st March 2007. Our expectations for the current year ending March 2008 remain unchanged.

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