SSL International plc is a manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products sold into consumer markets worldwide. SSL has a diverse portfolio of consumer products which include the global brands, Durex* condoms and personal lubricants, Scholl* footcare and footwear as well as local over-the-counter brands such as Syndol, Meltus and Full Marks in the UK and Sauber, Mister Baby and Proxima Baby in Southern Europe.

SSL employs around 5,000 people operating from commercial offices in over 35 countries and has manufacturing capabilities in Thailand, Spain and the UK as well as joint venture manufacturing in India and China. The head office is in London.

In March 2003, SSL announced a strategy to divest its medical division; this disposal programme has now been completed, and for the first time since its creation, SSL is now uniquely positioned to focus on its consumer brands free of distractions. The aim is to exploit the considerable potential of these brand assets and three objectives have been set to achieve this:

To grow 'brand contribution' by driving sales growth and creating brand value through investment in effective advertising and continual development of new products, through innovation, which are aligned to customer needs.

To re-energise and invigorate staff, following the period of change and continue to employ highly motivated, well remunerated and success oriented people throughout the organisation.
Challenge the cost base throughout the organisation without jeopardising the goal of brand growth.

In short, the strategy is to build brands and grow sales, develop new products and cut costs to meet and beat industry standards with the objective of growing value for SSL shareholders.

Scholl

Since 1904, Scholl, the number one brand in foot health and comfort, has been responsible for key advances, innovation and invention in footcare. They have become the acknowledged leaders in their field.

The name Scholl today is synonymous with feet and footcare in over 70 countries throughout the world But while the Scholl brand is familiar to many millions of people, few realise that it's named after the company's founder, Dr William Mathias Scholl, a man who made it his life-long mission to improve the health, comfort and well-being of people through their feet. This heart-felt fascination with feet, this dedication and drive, formed the foundation of the company and the Dr Scholl spirit and legacy are as much a part of the brand today - 100 years on.

The Scholl team now consists of numerous medical and scientific specialists, who continue to share Dr Scholl's passion for understanding the structure and biomechanics of the foot in relation to the whole body. The team remain dedicated to identifying problems, seeking solutions and developing innovative products, which stay true to William's original philosophy.

Durex

The Durex brand is credited with many developments in the modern evolution of the condom. These include the first lubricated condom, the first anatomically shaped condom and more recently, the world's first male non-latex condom and more recently, the unique Durex easy-on condom shape.

Durex now appeals to a wide consumer audience and aspires to be the world's leading sexual wellbeing brand. In addition to condoms Durex now produce a range of lubricants and vibrators and are expanding their portfolio of products to support the sexual wellbeing of all ages and genders.   

With continued investment in marketing and innovative R&D, Durex is now recognised internationally as a premium brand in terms of quality, safety and reliability.

Durex works with healthcare professionals, governments and organisations including World Health Organisation, UNAIDS and United Nations Population Fund to support them in promoting sexual health and wellbeing.

Partnering Strategy

Along with internal innovation and development programs, external collaborations form a major part of SSL's R&D strategy

SSL, Scholl and Durex are interested in establishing partnerships and licensing agreements with external companies in order to bring products in mid/late stages of development to market.

SSL is also actively looking for fully developed products that it could in-license for the UK and Irish OTC markets to complement their current portfolio.

Scholl is also actively looking for fully developed products that it could in-license for the European and Asia-Pacific foot care and foot wear markets to complement its current portfolio.

Durex is also actively looking for fully developed products that it could in-license for the global condom and sexual wellbeing market to complement their current portfolio.