SSL in talks for possible sale

LONDON, England (July 15)—Latex glove and condom maker SSL International P.L.C. is in the midst of preliminary talks about the possible sale of the company to an unnamed suitor. In a July 14 statement SSL confirmed it is in discussions with another firm which may or may not lead to an offer for the group. It did not release further details. England-headquartered Reckitt Benckiser P.L.C. was speculated as being a possible bidder, partially because the household cleaning product giant has indicated it's interested in pursuing acquisitions in the health and personal care businesses. Kimberly-Clark Corp., a Dallas-based producer of latex and synthetic latex medical gloves through its Safeskin division, also is rumored to be interested in SSL. Spokesmen for both Kimberly-Clark and Reckitt Benckiser said the companies never comment on rumors or speculation. Boots Group P.L.C., a global pharmacy giant based in England, is another rumored suitor but could not be reached for comment.