21/01/2010
Thursday

Interim Management Statement
 

We have today released our Interim Management Statement relating to the period from 1 October 2009 to date.

Our geographic spread and the strength of Durex and Scholl supported by continued investment in innovation, advertising and promotion, has ensured that the encouraging sales growth seen in the first half in our core branded consumer category has continued, in spite of the difficult trading environment seen in certain territories. Our recent acquisitions in the CIS are also continuing to perform ahead of our expectations.

Our balance sheet remains strong; we have recently established a new syndicated bank facility of £410 million pounds until June 2013, replacing a previous £220 million facility. There have been no other significant changes in our financial position during the period.  

Garry Watts, our Chief Executive, commented:

“Both Durex and Scholl continue to perform as expected and the recent acquisitions are growing well. We remain confident of achieving our stated target of increasing earnings per share by 50% over the three years to March 2012.”