SSL's sales, operating profit rise

LONDON (Dec. 1)—SSL International P.L.C. recorded operating profit of $38.7 million, up from $36 million last year, on a 3-percent increase in sales to $374.9 million for the first six months of the fiscal year. The firm, which recently completed the sale of its Marigold industrial glove business to French industrial glove maker Comasec S.A., cited consumer product sales growth of more than 5 percent and a 2.3-percent boost in the sale of rubber and synthetic latex medical gloves as two prime reasons for the improvement. The company said it anticipated revenues in the second half will be reduced by about $3.5 million because of the sale of the Marigold unit. However, it expects to see increased sales of its Scholl foot care products during the period and its Durex condom sales, which grew by 8.4 percent in the first half, will continue that steady growth.