RNS Number:5375K
SSL International PLC
30 April 2003


SSL INTERNATIONAL PLC

TRADING UPDATE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2003


SSL International plc ("SSL") the manufacturer and distributor of healthcare
products is issuing a trading statement ahead of the announcement of its
preliminary results, which will be on 5th June 2003.


SSL now expects sales for the year to 31st March 2003 to be #622 million.
Consumer sales are #360 million, 6% ahead of last year. Underlying growth in
consumer sales is close to 3% after adjusting for elimination of trade loading
last year, with Durex and Scholl contributing a combined underlying sales growth
of 4%.


Medical sales are #197 million, 7% ahead of last year's reported numbers. On an
underlying basis, surgical glove sales are just ahead of last year in a very
tough pricing environment, resulting in underlying medical sales being held at
last year's level.


It is expected that the operating margin will be around 13% of sales, as cost
cutting programmes continue on track. Net debt is expected to be around #300
million.


On 31st March 2003, SSL announced the conclusion of a strategic review
undertaken by the Board. It concluded that the best way to create value for
shareholders was to realise the value of the Medical division by means of
disposal and to focus resources on the Consumer division. This process is now
well under way and further information regarding the effects of the disposal
will be given at the preliminary results announcement in June.




FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

SSL International plc                                        (020 7367 5760)
Brian Buchan, Chief Executive
Garry Watts, Group Finance Director
Jan Young, Head of Investor Relations
The Maitland Consultancy                                     (020 7379 5151)
William Clutterbuck or Brian Hudspith


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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