SSL International has slipped back despite an encouraging trading statement.
The Durex condom and Scholl footwear group said sales for the first six months of the year were up 20% - including a contribution from recent acquisition Beleggingsmaatschappij, which packages and distributes condoms in Russia and elsewhere in the region. Excluding that - and also leaving out currency gains - sales advanced £%. There was apparently strong demand for Durex products - especially the Play range - from China, Poland and Germany.
But despite a confident outlook, SSL shares are 2p lower at 640p. The company has been boosted by a host of takeover speculation, with the likes of Reckitt Benckiser and GlaxoSmithKline suggested as possible predators. So it's likely today has seen a bit of profit taking after the recent good run.
