SSL International plc ("SSL"), the consumer healthcare business is issuing a trading update for
the year to 31st March 2006. The preliminary results for the year then ended will be announced
on 23rd May 2006.

Reported sales for the period are expected to be in the region of £447 million, approximately 5%
ahead of last year or 4% on an underlying basis after adjusting for favourable foreign currency
movements.

SSL's branded consumer sales are expected to exceed £395 million with underlying sales growth of
approximately 5%. Durex and Scholl footcare continue to be the main drivers of growth with
successful new product introductions and effective advertising campaigns. Scholl footwear, as
expected, declined on a full year basis but has shown growth in the important second half of the
year when the core Spring/Summer range is sold. Sales of locally owned brands were broadly flat.

Other sales amounted to approximately £52 million, some 2% down on last year, principally as the
result of lower sales of the low margin unbranded condoms.

Based on this sales performance, SSL expects to make further strong progress towards achieving its
previously stated operating profit target of £52 million by March 2007.

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For further information, please contact:

SSL International plc                                           020 7367 5771
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