Trading for SSL International plc, the consumer healthcare business, for the six months to 30 September 2005 is encouraging and is in line with the Board's expectations.

Sales are expected to be approximately £220 million, which after adjusting for favourable currency movements of £3 million, is approximately 7% ahead of last year.

Strong performances from Durex, particularly in American and Eastern European markets, and Scholl footcare with the rollout of Party Feet into Continental Europe, have been the key drivers of this sales growth. As anticipated, Scholl footwear sales declined as we continued to rationalise our offering to provide a more focused range with improved margins. Locally owned brands have also declined slightly.

The remainder of our business, comprising unbranded condoms, third party brands and third party supply have achieved sales ahead of last year.

With margins improving, we remain on track to make further substantial progress this year towards the target of doubling our 2004 reported operating profits of £26 million by 2007.

The interim results will be prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (the broadly neutral impact of which was outlined in our September update) and will be announced on Tuesday 22nd November.


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For further information, please contact:

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

The Maitland Consultancy                        020 7379 5151
William Clutterbuck
Brian Hudspith