Melbourne, Australia; Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX:SPL, OTCQX:SPHRY) wishes to update its shareholders regarding the acquisition of SSL International plc (SSL) by Reckitt Benckiser plc.

Reckitt Benckiser has announced that it has completed its £2.5bn acquisition of SSL after gaining approval from more than 85% of SSL's shareholders by last Friday.  As a result, SSL is now formally part of Reckitt Benckiser and its leading global condom brand Durex will be added to Reckitt’s portfolio of health and personal care “Powerbrands” which include Nurofen, Strepsils and Clearasil. 

Starpharma has a licence agreement with SSL/Reckitt Benckiser to develop and market a VivaGel^® coated condom under the Durex banner in all markets apart from Japan.

Starpharma CEO Jackie Fairley said: “We are optimistic about the implications for Starpharma of this development given Reckitt Benckiser’s formidable distribution and brand-building capabilities.  We look forward to working with Reckitt Benckiser to bring the VivaGel^® coated condom to market.”

Reckitt Benckiser is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of branded products in household cleaning and health and personal care, with a history of focusing strongly on innovation and marketing.  Reckitt Benckiser announced annual revenue of £7.7 billion from sales across 180 countries in 2009.  It has a market capitalisation of £23 billion and is ranked in the Top 25 of the FTSE100 Index.

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