SSL breaks off talks with potential suitor

LONDON (Sept. 23)—Latex and footcare products maker SSL International P.L.C. has ended discussions with a potential bidder for the group. The talks, which started in July, did not lead to an offer being made for the group, the company said in a statement. "In the absence of any formal proposal to the board we have terminated discussions. To prolong uncertainty any further is not in shareholders' interests," SSL chairman Ian Martin said in a prepared statement. The group is proceeding with its previously announced plans to dispose of its medical products activities and focus on consumer markets. The for-sale units include SSL's $170 million Regent surgical gloves business.