SSL International
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| Type | Public (LSE: SSL) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | London, UK |
| Key people | Gerald Corbett, Chairman Garry Watts, CEO |
| Industry | Healthcare |
| Products | Durex Sandals |
| Revenue | £533.9 million (2008) |
| Operating income | £68.1 million (2008) |
| Net income | £41.3 million (2008) |
| Website | www.ssl-international.com |
SSL International plc (LSE: SSL) is a British-based manufacturer of healthcare products. Its most well-known brands are Durex and Scholl; other significant brands are Sauber and Mister Baby. The Company's name is an abbreviation of Seton Scholl London International, its predecessor businesses. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.
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[edit] History
The Company was formed in May 1999 by the merger of Seton Scholl (itself created through the merger of Seton Healthcare and Scholl in July 1998) with London International Group (formerly London Rubber Company) (makers of Durex).[1] The integration of these two businesses was led by Stuart Wallis, the first chairman of SSL, who left the Company in 2001.
From 2002 to 2004 the Company disposed of its medical and industrial products to focus on its two main brands as part of a "strategic repositioning". The first major diversement was of 21 OTC brands to Thornton & Ross Limited in March 2002.[2] Marigold Industrial Gloves was sold to Comasec SAS in November 2003.[3] The wound management products were sold to Medlock Medical Limited (owned by Apax Partners) in May 2004.[4] Regent Infection Control (makers of Biogel surgical gloves and Hibi antiseptics) was also sold to a business owned by Apax Partners in May 2004 for £173 million.[5] The final sale was of the minor Silipos business to Langer Inc in October 2004.[6]
In November 2007 the Company went on to buy Orthaheel, an Australian business selling insoles designed and marketed by podiatrist, Phillip Vasyli.[7] In November 2008 the Company announced the completion of its acquisition of Crest Condoms, a Swiss based condom brand.[8]
[edit] Operations
The company has a commercial presence in over thirty countries and manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Spain, China, India and Thailand.
[edit] References
- ^ Seton Scholl in £1.46bn merger
- ^ SSL sells 21 brands for £13.5m
- ^ Marigold Gloves maker sells Industrial Division
- ^ SSL sells wound management business
- ^ SSL sells Regent to Apax in £173m deal
- ^ Langer closes on $15.5m acquistion
- ^ Durex is not just for Christmas
- ^ SSL to acquire Switzerland's Crest
