Trading in line at SSL International

CONDOMS to Scholl Footwear maker SSL International will today tell shareholders that despite the tough environment trading is holding up well.

The group, which has its European operations at Trafford Park, said from the beginning of April to date trading is good, and its recent acquisitions are continuing to perform in line with expectations. It added that its balance sheet remains strong.

At SSL’s annual general meeting today chairman Gerald Corbett will say: “Our start to the year has been as we expected. While the consumer environment remains challenging, we continue to invest in our brands to fuel future growth.

“Coupled with a successful performance by our recent acquisitions this is driving the group towards its target of growing earnings by 50% over the three years to March 2012.

In the year to March 31, profits at the group surged from £41.3m to £55.5m on sales that rose to £642.4m from £533.9m.

Sales of Durex climbed 7.3% to £266.9m, while Scholl footcare sales climbed 11.4% to £143m and footwear sales were up 5.1% to £92.9m.