Trading Statement

RNS Number:1572R
SSL International PLC
22 October 2003

22 October 2003

Trading update for the Half Year Ended 30th September 2003

Sales for the six months to 30th September 2003 are likely to be in the region
of #316 million and are expected to generate a pre-exceptional operating margin
in excess of 10%. Sales in the comparative period of #308 million generated a
margin of 10%.

Branded consumer sales are expected to be approximately #188 million, being some
5% ahead of the same period last year largely as the result of strong underlying
growth in Durex and positive Euro/GBP exchange rate movements. Underlying Scholl
sales are expected to be broadly in line with last year, as growth in Europe has
been offset by the effects of poor economic conditions in the Asia Pacific
region in the first quarter. As previously indicated, OTC sales in Italy have
continued to be affected by pharmacy de-stocking.

Medical sales of approximately #92 million are expected to be 2% ahead of last
year as underlying growth of 5% in Biogel gloves was offset by negative US$/GBP
exchange rate movements and a decline of approximately #1 million in sales of
our wound management products.

The outlook for the full year remains in line with our expectations.

Disposal Programme

The disposal programme is on track. Negotiations for the disposal of the
industrial gloves business are well advanced and we expect to make an
announcement very shortly. As previously indicated, we have received interest
from a substantial number of parties for the disposal of our medical division.
We are now in discussions with a short list of interested parties. Further
announcements will be made in due course.

END

For further information, please contact:

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

The Maitland Consultancy                             020 7379 5151
William Clutterbuck
Brian Hudspith








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