SSL buys Seton Scholl Japan from venture partner

CHESHIRE, England (Feb. 8)—Spurred by its desire to expand in Japan, SSL International P.L.C. has signed a letter of intent to buy out its joint venture partner in Seton Scholl Japan Ltd., an operation formed in the early 1990s. This would open the door for SSL to begin distribution of Durex condoms in Japan, the company said. SSL also terminated a contract with Okamoto, a firm it said is the largest supplier of condoms in Japan. Seton Scholl Japan distributes a variety of Scholl products in Japan, including foot care, footwear and compression therapy products, along with surgical and dental gloves.