Ansell Press Releases

Ansell Limited Expands Korean Presence

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Ansell Limited (ANN.AX), a global leader in protection solutions, today announced it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Koreca Industries. Koreca Industries is based in Daegu and is a leading hand protection specialist in Korea.

As a part of this agreement, Ansell has appointed Koreca Industries its exclusive distributor of Industrial and New Verticals personal protective equipment (PPE) products in the Republic of Korea. Furthermore, Ansell has an option to make equity investments in Koreca Industries in stages over several years.

Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Limited commented "By partnering with Koreca Industries, Ansell will significantly strengthen its presence in Korea in the PPE market. This move is well aligned with our previously communicated ambition to expand globally in fast-growing markets".

Ansell Limited Invests In Lakeland Industries, INC.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Pursuant to the filing of a Form 13D with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Ansell Limited (ANN.AX), a global leader in protection solutions, today announced it has made an investment in Lakeland Industries, Inc.

Ansell has acquired 9.66% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Lakeland Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAKE).

Lakeland manufactures and sells a comprehensive line of safety garments and accessories for the industrial protective clothing market.

Ansell Limited Acquires A Minority Share In Yulex Corporation

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Ansell Limited (ANN.AX), a global leader in protection solutions, today announced it has purchased a minority share of Yulex Corporation, a manufacturer of biopolymers derived from guayule. The investment is not expected to have any material impact on Ansell's earnings per share in Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013.

Further, Ansell and Yulex executed an exclusive agreement for the global development, manufacturing and distribution rights for medical gloves, personal protective equipment gloves, and condoms made of guayule latex.

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) is a commercial crop (a small evergreen shrub) and the only rubber-producing species other than the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) that has been used for latex production on a commercial scale. Extensive scientific research suggests that guayule latex does not produce allergic reactions with natural rubber latex sensitive individuals.

Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Limited commented "Our agreements with Yulex are an important step in our strategy to accelerate the development of new innovative products while reducing our usage of rubber tree latex."

"We are pleased to be partnering with Ansell," said Yulex Corporation CEO, Jeff Martin. "Our collaboration will advance the acceptance of guayule natural rubber as a U.S. biobased alternative for natural rubber and petroleum-based rubber products. We are committed to developing ‘green' renewable technologies for consumer and healthcare markets"

Ansell HyFlex® glove range reaching 500 million pairs in sales

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In just 15 years, Ansell's best-selling brand sells 500M pairs worldwide.

Red Bank - Brussels - Melbourne, 15th November 2011 - Ansell, global leader in health and safety solutions with over a century of expertise, has today reached a historic milestone - the sale of its 500 millionth pair of HyFlex® gloves.

Since its creation, the HyFlex® brand has become the number one selling industrial glove around the world, with over half a million workers wearing it daily in a wide variety of industries. When first introducing HyFlex® in 1996, Ansell for the first time demonstrated how optimal protection does not mean one needs to give in on comfort.

Ever since its first launch, the original HyFlex® concept has set a benchmark for industry players active in this category. In 15 years, HyFlex® has gained critical recognition and market share for its winning combination of ergonomic design, comfort and superior mechanical protection. Today, the HyFlex® range extends to 28 individual styles, ensuring that there is a glove that fits every worker's job performance requirements and comfort expectations.

Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Ltd, said: "In just 15 years, Ansell has sold 500 million pairs of HyFlex® gloves. This milestone pays tribute to the HyFlex® original brand concept which is all about delivering protection and comfort without compromise. With innovation being the hallmark of the HyFlex® glove range success today, Ansell is committed to continue to innovate and develop new ways of ensuring that our HyFlex® series remains in pole position, and is the number one choice for workers across the globe", he concludes.

The HyFlex® brand is the most comprehensive light-duty synthetic portfolio in the industry. Its world-leading patented Zonz^TM Knit Technology reduces hand fatigue by providing stress release in the knuckle areas, setting new standards in the market.

HyFlex® is a registered trademark of Ansell Ltd. or one of its affiliates.

Ansell Extends Success Of AMT Antimicrobial Technology For Surgical Gloves With Introduction In Europe

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Global leader in healthcare protection and safety solutions lands CE Mark for GAMMEX^® Powder-Free Gloves with AMT Antimicrobial Technology.

Red Bank - Brussels - Melbourne - October 31, 2011 - One year after its introduction in Australia, Ansell today announced it is kicking off a European launch program of their new GAMMEX^® Powder-Free glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology

The GAMMEX^® Powder-Free glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology is the first surgical glove which incorporates a proprietary antimicrobial coating to provide an additional level of protection to surgical staff against viruses and bacteria, in the event of a breach during surgery.

Ever since its introduction last year in Australia, this unique Ansell innovation received overall industry acclaim and is being considered a significant technical breakthrough in terms of bringing about a change from passive protection to active protection.

The gloves, made of natural rubber latex, provide the same feel, sensitivity, flexibility and dexterity as conventional gloves when manipulating and handling instruments. The main difference is the active antimicrobial layer which contains chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). This proprietary technology can provide ongoing antiviral and antibacterial protection against HIV, hepatitis C and infectious bacteria.

"Improving healthcare systems around the world and an increasing awareness by healthcare workers that gloves offer an effective protection against contamination from bacteria and viruses have been a key driver for the rapid expansion of the medical gloves industry", says Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Limited.

"This unique and proprietary AMT Antimicrobial Technology reduces surgical staff risks of exposure to blood-borne pathogens through a higher level of protection", he continues. "Just as the introduction of the first surgeon gloves significantly decreased surgical site infections, Ansell has great expectations that this glove will take patient protection to another level. We will now be focusing our research efforts on clinically quantifying the potential that this surgical glove innovation has on reducing the number of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI's) and any costs associated", he concludes.

First launched in Australia and Europe, Ansell's AMT Antimicrobial Technology will progressively be rolled out in all Ansell markets.

* In clinical and laboratory tests, GAMMEX^® Powder-Free with AMT killed at least 99% of invading HIV and HCV (hepatitis C) surrogate pathogens, the two main viruses that concern surgeons. In addition, clinical testing has shown that the gloves kill over 99.7% of eight common infectious bacteria (gram-positive, gram-negative and drug-resistant bacteria) and kill over 99.99% of staphylococcus aureus.

GAMMEX^®Powder-Free Gloves with AMT Antimicrobial Technology are not proven to protect against blood-borne infections where the skin is broken, cut or punctured. GAMMEX^®Powder-Free Gloves with AMT Antimicrobial Technology contain natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions.

Australia Patent No. 703926 and New Zealand Patent No. 556353. AU and worldwide patents pending.

Ansell Limited Strengthens Senior Executive Team with New Appointment

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Anthony "Tony" B. Lopez joins as President and General Manager of Ansell's Medical Global Business Unit.

Red Bank, October 4, 2011 - Ansell Limited, the leading provider of protective and healthcare safety solutions, today announced the appointment of Anthony ‘Tony" B. Lopez as the new President and General Manager of their Medical Solutions Global Business Unit (GBU).

Holding P&L responsibility, Tony will oversee the GBU's global business operations, managing all aspects of marketing, R&D and strategic planning, as well as indirectly manufacturing and supply chain.

"It's a great opportunity for Ansell to welcome someone with such a multifaceted expertise like Tony. His decades of experience in the medical device industry will be pivotal in driving Ansell's growth and innovation across the acute and non-acute care, and surgical supplies markets we operate in", says Magnus R. Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Limited.

Anthony Lopez joins Ansell from CareFusion where he most recently served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Respiratory Systems. Prior to CareFusion, Tony served for 18 years at Johnson & Johnson in leadership roles in operations, manufacturing, sales & marketing and general management in their Ethicon and DePuy franchises. In addition to his business background, Tony served 12 years as an Officer in the USAir Force, first as Flight Test Director, later as Social Actions Officer for Diversity, Drug & Alcohol Abuse and Equal Opportunity & Treatment.

Based in Red Bank, Anthony "Tony" B. Lopez will report to Magnus R. Nicolin and be a member of the Ansell executive management team.

Ansell Limited Full Year Results 30 June, 2011 - A Year of Achievement and Growth

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200

A Year of Achievement and Growth

Highlights

Sales of US$1,206.9m, up 11% on the previous year
EBIT of US$136.9m, up 8% on the previous year
Profit attributable of US$121.7m, up 15% on the previous year
EPS of US91.6¢, up 15% on the previous year
The Board declared a final unfranked dividend of A19.0¢, up 9% year on year. The total dividend for F’11 is A33.0¢, up 8% year on year.
The Board announced a new on-market buyback of up to 5m shares.

Chairman’s Comments:

“F’11 has seen the Company produce outstanding USD results, despite
significant challenges. With sales up 11%, Profit Attributable and EPS both up
15% and no net debt on the balance sheet, your Board is pleased to
announce an increased dividend and a new on-market share buyback”
commented Ansell’s Chairman, Peter Barnes.

F’12 Guidance

The Company is guiding that EPS will be in the range of US97¢ - US103¢ a
share, which includes a Deferred Tax Asset (DTA) adjustment of between
US7¢ - US10¢ a share. This guidance reflects uncertain global economic
conditions with subdued growth and FX rates approximately at current levels.

Ansell Limited Full Year 2011 Results Summary

Ansell (ASX:ANN) today announced a full year Profit Attributable to Shareholders of
US$121.7m, a 15% increase on the previous year’s US$106.2m. EPS was US91.6¢,
also up 15% on F’10’s US79.7¢.
A final dividend of A19.0¢ per share unfranked, payable on 21 September, 2011 was
declared. The full year dividend is therefore A33.0¢, up 8% on F’10’s A30.5¢.

View Full Press Release here.

ANSELL LIMITED ACQUIRES SANDEL MEDICAL INDUSTRIES LLC, an innovator in surgical safety solutions.

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Ansell Limited (ANN.AX), a global leader in protection solutions, today announced the acquisition of Sandel Medical Industries, LLC, a recognized leader in the development of staff and patient safety disposable products in the US. The Company has turnover of ~US$10m p.a. Ansell will continue the Sandel business under the Ansell Sandel Medical Solutions LLC name.

The Sandel product range covers six key product categories (sharps safety, ergonomic safety, medication handling & specimen handling, safety kits and safety products/correct site markers for patients) and presents an excellent opportunity for Ansell to expand our range of differentiated products.

The Sandel solutions portfolio will allow Ansell to offer hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers cost-effective solutions to improve safety of the environment of patients and staff and to comply with the ever increasing regulatory and legislative safety requirements for patients and staff.

Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Limited commented “The acquisition is an important step in Ansell's strategy to grow in both existing business segments, as well as to expand with integrated solutions in surgical safety.” He concluded. “We are very excited about the Sandel opportunity and look forward to working with their experienced management team, staff, and valued customers.”

The purchase price is US$13.5 million (A$ 12.8 million) and the Purchase Agreement includes sales and growth based earn-outs over the next five (5) years.

The acquisition is expected to be earnings per share neutral in F’12 and accretive from F’13 onwards.
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About Ansell
Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well being. With operations in the North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia, Ansell employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the industrial and medical gloves market, as well as in the sexual health and well being category worldwide. Ansell operates in four main business segments: Medical Solutions, Industrial Solutions, New Verticals, and Sexual Wellness. Information on Ansell and its products can
be found at www.ansell.com.

About Sandel
Founded in 2002, Sandel Medical Industries was created around 2 key principles: to seek out unresolved safety issues in the operating room: and to develop and manufacture practical “Problem-Solving” products that address staff and patient safety. Information on Sandel and its solutions can be found at www.sandelmedical.com

Ansell Limited Half Year Results 31 December, 2010 - Strong Performance in a Challenging Environment

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

STRONG PERFORMANCE IN A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT

Highlights:

Sales of US$583.7m, up 9%
EBIT of US$69.3m, up 6%
Profit attributable of US$61.0m, up 12%
Return on Assets and Return on Equity both remain over 20%
Earnings Per Share (EPS) of US46.0¢, up 14%
Reorganisation for accelerated growth completed
Interim dividend increased to A14¢ (up 8%)

Chairman's Comments:

Ansell's Chairman, Mr Peter Barnes commented:

"This was a challenging six month period, as Ansell faced substantial increases in key raw material costs and adverse foreign exchange movements, continued to invest significant resources in Fusion (the company's major ERP project) and implemented a major reorganisation.

I am pleased to report that, even with these substantial pressures, the half's results were up solidly enabling your Board to continue its well established program of increasing dividends."

Guidance:

The current forecast EPS for the year of US86¢-US91¢ a share is reconfirmed. Within this guidance, the Deferred Tax Asset adjustment remains in the previously forecast US8¢-US10¢ range.

Ansell Limited Half Year 2011 Results Summary

Ansell Limited (ASX:ANN) today announced Profit Attributable for the first half of US$61.0m, up 12% on the previous year's US$54.3m.

EPS in Ansell's operating currency, the US dollar, rose 14% from F'10 H1 driven by strong sales, the benefits of past restructuring actions, lower interest and tax expenses. Based on this, the Board declared an Interim Dividend of A14.0¢ a share, unfranked and payable on 16 March, 2011.

Results Summary:

	Reported in Australian Dollars			Results in Operating Currency - US Dollars
	F'10 H1 A$M	F'11 H1 A$M	%	F'10 H1 US$M	F'11 H1 US$M	%
Sales	611.6	617.5	1	533.3	583.7	9
EBIT	74.4	73.3	(1)	65.6	69.3	6
Profit Attributable (PA)	61.4	64.2	5	54.3	61.0	12
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	45.6¢	48.4¢	6	40.3	46.0	14
Dividend	13.0¢	14.0¢	8

The Company's results translated into Australian dollars, showed a lower period on

period improvement, entirely due to the AUD's 9% appreciation vs. the USD.

Business Review:

Ansell's CEO, Magnus Nicolin, stated: "Last July's reorganisation into four Global Business Units (GBU's) has been completed ahead of schedule. The GBU's have responsibility for strategy, innovation, global marketing and brand development and have made significant progress on a more focused innovation agenda as well as on driving simplification. We continued to make steady progress on Project Fusion, and expect to commence a phased implementation with the roll out of the new ERP system in the Americas Region in the 2^nd half.

These two major company-wide initiatives consumed significant effort. Ansell nevertheless delivered its best sales growth in many years with a 9% increase. In fact, this would have been a double digit increase if not for negative FX rate movements. Ansell's EBIT growth was solid. The Industrial GBU had an outstanding half globally while Sexual Health & Well Being also had a strong result. Medical GBU sales and EBIT drifted lower, negatively impacted by NRL while New Verticals requires further attention. Natural rubber latex (NRL) costs increased an average of 75% in H1 compared to the prior period. Ansell is mitigating this through price increases, plant productivity initiatives and moves to synthetics and these efforts will continue in H2. Over the last 3 years, Ansell has reduced its NRL consumption by approximately 25%."

Industrial

	A$M		US$M
	F'10 H1	F'11 H1	F'10 H1	F'11 H1
Sales	217.8	247.0	189.9	233.2
Segment EBIT	31.9	45.3	28.1	42.8
EBIT/Sales	14.6%	18.3%	14.8%	18.4%

Industrial accounts for 40% of revenue and 57% of segment EBIT.

Solid global industrial growth, Ansell's excellent product range and the proprietary, patent pending Guardian^® Solutions System has enabled Industrial to increase sales by 23% and EBIT by 52%.

All product categories grew strongly with HyFlex^® volumes up 32%. Sales rose in all our key developed markets while the Emerging Markets also continued to grow strongly. Customised product ranges are being developed to enable more attractive offerings for the Emerging Markets and additional sales personnel have been hired to expand Ansell's geographical and vertical coverage.

The Guardian^® Program continues to drive growth with eleven contract closures worth ~US$6m of new business in the US alone. This solution selling approach has mainly been applied to large customers but has now been redesigned to service smaller ones as well. The Guardian^® Program is now available in more than 10 languages and is being used in both developed and emerging markets.

New Verticals

	A$M		US$M
	F'10 H1	F'11 H1	F'10 H1	F'11 H1
Sales	94.0	87.5	82.0	82.6
Segment EBIT	7.6	0.7	6.8	0.7
EBIT/Sales	8.1%	0.8%	8.3%	0.8%

New Verticals accounts for 14% of revenue and 1% of Segment EBIT.

Sales were flat in the half while EBIT was negatively affected by product mix, NRL costs, a weaker Euro (that hurt our EMEA household glove business), lower revenues from military glove contracts along with lower production yields. Our DIY channel in the US continues to grow with its strong link to ARCA car racing and new lines of specialist construction gloves in the ProjeX^® Series driving sales.

NV was broken out as a separate business to put the spotlight on 5 Verticals or businesses with very different needs and challenges. Improving NV's profitability is the primary challenge and will be accomplished with dedicated management focus on simplification, price management, mix management as well as new product launches in the most attractive segments.

Medical

	A$M		US$M
	F'10 H1	F'11 H1	F'10 H1	F'11 H1
Sales	200.9	180.0	175.1	170.2
Segment EBIT	29.6	22.1	26.0	20.8
EBIT/Sales	14.7%	12.3%	14.8%	12.2%

Medical accounts for 29% of Revenue and 28% of Segment EBIT.

Sales were down 3% with surgical gloves rising 5% and examination gloves falling 10% - as Ansell sought price increases on vinyl and NRL based products. NRL prices increased an unprecedented 75% on the prior period (in USD terms). Given the difficulty in fully recovering NRL cost increases and the drag of long term fixed price contracts, EBIT declined 20% despite a more favourable product mix.

Ansell continues to expand its polyisoprene range of surgical gloves, with two more products added in the last six months. These complement Ansell's exclusive, accelerator free neoprene synthetic glove that removes the risk of Type I and IV allergies.

Sexual Health & Well Being

	A$M		US$M
	F'10 H1	F'11 H1	F'10 H1	F'11 H1
Sales	98.9	103.0	86.3	97.7
Segment EBIT	9.6	11.5	8.4	10.9
EBIT/Sales	9.7%	11.2%	9.7%	11.2%

Sexual Health & Well Being accounts for 17% of Revenue and 14% of Segment EBIT.

With sales up 13% and segment EBIT up 30%, SHWB has seen significant improvement on the prior period.

The SKYN^® polyisoprene condom continues to be an outstanding success with launches into new countries, including Australia and China. Ansell's operations in Brazil (Blowtex) and China (Jissbon) have strong impetus based on more focused Advertising & Promotion spend and new product launches.

The tender business has seen a solid turn-around with supply into India and Brazil and sales up more than US$5m for the half compared to F'10 H1.

Finance:

FX was a headwind in the first half. Ansell's strong organic sales growth of 9% would have been approximately 11% if not for a weaker Euro which devalued 9% (though this was partially offset by a stronger AUD (+9%) and CAD (+5%). The major cost currencies, the MYR and THB, appreciated 9% and 8% respectively. Ansell's FX hedging program significantly mitigated the adverse EBIT impact of FX. We expect continued volatility in FX markets but Ansell's existing hedges provide adequate coverage in the 2^nd half.

Book taxes were lower than in the previous year (US$4.2m compared to US$5.0m) mostly due to the mix of taxable income by jurisdiction. There was a DTA adjustment of US$7.9m in the half, which was comparable to the corresponding period's US$8.1m.

Working capital rose during the half and was US$33.4m higher than the corresponding half in F'10. Debtors were in line with December 2009 despite much higher sales and Creditors were slightly higher. The increase came from inventories, which went from US$158.2m to US$201.1m half on half. This was due to FX and higher raw material costs, the need to support increased sales and sales & operations planning challenges. With NRL prices expected to be high in H2 due to seasonal wintering and the roll out of Fusion in the Americas Region, higher opening inventories offer some advantages. However, Ansell's intention is to manage inventory closer to more normal levels by the end of H2.

The business made significant capital investments during the period in support of increased sales and productivity improvements. Capital expenditure rose by $17.9m, with US$6.5m attributable to ramped up spending on additional production capacity while the remaining US$11.4m came from capitalised Fusion costs. In addition, the increase in inventory as noted above contributed to a reduction in Free Cash Flow to US$13.8m (from US$67.2m).

The Balance Sheet continues to be extremely strong with gearing (NIBD/NIBD + Equity) at 6.5%, being well below the previous year's 13.4%, and the June 30, 2010 level of 8.6%. Interest cover at 30.1x and Net Debt/EBITDA of 0.6x are also robust. Liquidity is also strong with US$218.7m of cash.

Dividends:

The Ansell Board has announced an increased interim dividend of A14¢ (A13¢ in 2010) per share unfranked. The dividend will have a record date of 23 February, 2011 and payment date of 16 March, 2011.

For non-resident shareholders, the dividend will not attract withholding tax.

F'11 Outlook:

We anticipate further pressure from raw material price increases. Ansell is continuing its programs to mitigate this impact and the strong global momentum in the Industrial and SH&WB businesses are expected to provide a favourable offset.

Ansell therefore reconfirms the previously communicated EPS guidance range of US86¢ to US91¢ which is up 8-14% on the F'10 US79.7¢ EPS result.

Within the guidance, the EPS impact of DTA adjustments remain in the previously forecast US8¢ to US10¢ range.

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For further information:

Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well being. With operations in North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia, Ansell employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the natural latex and synthetic polymer glove and condom markets. Ansell operates in four main business segments: Medical Solutions, Industrial Solutions, New Verticals, and Sexual Health & Well Being. Information on Ansell and its products can be found at http://www.ansell.com/.

Ansell strengthens global management team with new appointments

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

RED BANK (US) / MELBOURNE (AUS), August 19, 2010 – Earlier today, global leader in protection solutions, Ansell, has announced two new appointments to its global executive leadership team. These appointments, both effective immediately and both reporting to the CEO, Magnus Nicolin, follow an earlier announcement regarding a realignment of its global organization for accelerated growth and faster execution.

Joining Ansell from 3M, Steve Genzer has been appointed to the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Operations. He will head up end-to-end supply operations, including manufacturing, sourcing, procurement, warehousing, logistics, transportation, and QA - and will be based at Ansell’s HQ in Red Bank, NJ. Steve has close to 20 years of experience running manufacturing and distribution operations in the US, China and SE Asia and will lend his expertise in lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement to enhance Ansell’s operating effectiveness. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from William Woods University.

Peter Dobbelsteijn has been appointed Senior Vice President and Regional Director for the EMEA Region. Peter has 20+ years of experience in developing and implementing sales & marketing strategies across EMEA, and for a variety of businesses. Before joining Ansell, Dobbelsteijn was with Newell Rubbermaid where he successfully led their EMEA North Central Region. Peter has a degree in Marketing from the Dutch Marketing Institute in Amsterdam. He will be responsible for Sales and Trade Marketing, Warehousing and Logistics operations across Europe, Middle-East and Africa and will be based at the Ansell EMEA HQ in Brussels.

"The strengthening of our senior leadership team is a critical step on the path towards fulfilling our ambition as a company and delivering our accelerated growth objectives”, said Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Limited while announcing the appointments. “With the appointment of these seasoned executives, we bring a wealth of experience to key parts of our company”, he continued. “We have now filled most key positions with the right people, giving us and our shareholders a new generation of Ansell senior leadership to take our business to the next level”, he concluded.

Ansell reorganises for accelerated growth

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

In recent months, Ansell's management and Board have completed a broad review of the company's strengths and specific challenges. Based on this assessment, an updated and more assertive growth strategy has been developed that calls for faster and more focused execution of organic growth plans with an increased emphasis on acquisitions.

"To support this strategy, four Global Business Units (GBU's) are being established. These GBU's will have global responsibility for business strategy, innovation, product development, marketing and brand development and will work in tandem with the four Regions (North America, LAC, EMEA and APAC) who will continue to be accountable for sales, trade marketing, customer service and local warehousing. This new GBU/Region matrix will minimise the duplication of products in the different regions thus improving speed to market while reducing complexity in manufacturing and lowering cost" said Ansell's CEO, Magnus Nicolin.

The four GBU's and executives heading them will be as follows:

• Scott Papier, based in our Red Bank, NJ office (who currently heads the Americas’ Region Professional and Consumer) will lead the new Medical GBU which will be comprised of what we have historically called Professional. This GBU will also focus on expanding and building on our global medical brands such as Gammex® and Microtouch®.

• Werner Heintz, based in our Brussels office (who currently heads the EMEA Region) will lead the Industrial GBU which will be responsible for expanding our share of business in core verticals such as Automotive, Metal Fabrication /Machinery, Chemical and Pharma. This GBU will also focus on expanding and building on our global industrial brands such as HyFlex® and Solvex®.

• Scott Corriveau, based in our Red Bank, NJ office (who is currently Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer) will lead the New Verticals GBU, responsible for developing new channels and under-penetrated verticals such as Food, Janitorial/Sanitation, Auto after market, DIY/Construction, First Responders and Military. This GBU will also house a newly created “Advanced Concepts” team focused on breakthrough innovation.

• Peter Carroll, based in our Melbourne office (who currently heads the Asia Pacific Region) will lead the Sexual Health & Well Being GBU which comprises of what was formerly Consumer (minus Household Gloves). This GBU will be tasked with enhancing our core brands such as SKYN®, Lifestyles®, Jissbon®, and Blowtex® and increasing our condom and lubricant market shares globally.

In addition to setting up GBU's, we will also reshape the sourcing and movement of products by combining the Sales & Operations Planning, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality Assurance and Distribution functions into an integrated Operations group. A global search is underway and it is expected that the new head of this team will be announced in a few weeks.

Finally, with acquisitions expected to play a key role in our growth strategy, faster execution will be achieved by integrating the Business Development/M&A and Finance teams. As such, Rustom Jilla will, in addition to his role as Chief Financial Officer, take on the increasingly important task of heading Business Development/M&A.

"Ansell is a strong company and with selective acquisitions, simplified operations and an increased focus on under-developed verticals, fast growing markets, and innovation, we can reach new heights of growth and profitability" Magnus Nicolin concluded.

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Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well being. With operations in the North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia, Ansell employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the natural latex and synthetic polymer glove and condom markets. Ansell operates in four main business segments: Medical Solutions, Industrial Solutions, New Verticals, and Sexual Health & Well Being Solutions. Information on Ansell and its products can be found at http://www.ansell.com/

Ansell launches antimicrobial surgical glove

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Red Bank / Melbourne – May 4th 2010 – Ansell today announced the launch of their new GAMMEX® Powder-Free glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology, at the Annual Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Perth, Australia.

The new surgical glove incorporates a proprietary antimicrobial coating to provide an additional level of protection to surgical staff against viruses and bacteria, in the event of a breach during surgery.

The last decade has witnessed a rapid expansion of the medical gloves market globally. Major drivers for this growth are improving healthcare systems around the world and the increasing awareness by healthcare workers that gloves offer an effective protection against contamination from bacteria and viruses. Ansell’s new AMT Antimicrobial Technology reduces surgical staff risks of exposure to blood-borne pathogens through a higher level of protection.

Extensive in vitro laboratory testing showed that the antimicrobial coating killed >99 per cent of Hepatitis C1 and 99 percent of HIV-1 (strain Mn) within 60 seconds of exposure through a simulated glove breach.
GAMMEX® Powder-Free glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology also kills between 99.7% to >99.999% of 8 common healthcare infectious bacteria, comprising gram-positive, gram-negative, and drug-resistant bacteria (e.g. MRSA, VRE) within 60 seconds from exposure.

“Ansell’s proprietary AMT Antimicrobial surgical glove technology is the result of intensive and collaborative research, and demonstrates the Company’s ability for industry leading innovation and new product development”, says Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Ltd.

“It also underscores Ansell’s commitment to continuously invest in seeking optimal solutions to better protect healthcare professionals in a world with an increasing number of high risk pathogens”, he continues.

GAMMEX® Powder-Free glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology features a unique and proprietary inner coating, containing skin friendly agents and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), an effective antimicrobial agent commonly found in products such as antiseptics and mouthwash.
Ansell’s AMT Antimicrobial Technology is now being launched in Australia. It will be progressively rolled out in all Ansell markets

1, Tested versus Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), a common surrogate for Hepatitis C.
About Ansell

Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well being. With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, Ansell employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and holds leading market positions in industrial and medical gloves. Ansell is also a leading player in the household gloves and condom market segment globally. Information on Ansell and its products can be found at www.ansell.com.

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Ansell Limited Half Year Results 31 December, 2009 Strong Broad-Based Performance

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Highlights:

Strong recovery after Global Financial Crisis (GFC)
Solid results, in US dollars, given the difficult environment

- Sales of $533.3m (flat)
- EBIT of $65.6m (up 7%)
- Profit attributable of $54.3m (flat)
- EPS of US40.3¢ (up 1.3%)

Australian Dollar results negatively impacted by FX translation

Free cash flow of US$67.2m (up 57%)

Interim dividend increased to A13.0¢ (up 8%)

Chairman’s Comments:

“Ansell has made a pleasing recovery from the GFC with the Occupational Division, which was hit hard last year, using its strong market position and customer relationships to recover quickly. This was assisted by decisive restructuring actions and the Company succeeded in delivering profits while still investing for future growth” said the Chairman, Peter Barnes.

He continued…. “These solid results and the strong balance sheet, once again enables your Board to increase the dividend by 8% to A13.0¢ a share”

Full Year Guidance:

EPS guidance has been upgraded to be in the range of US69¢ to US74¢. Unlike the previous guidance (of the top end of US56¢ to US62¢), the revised range also includes the H1 deferred tax adjustment of US6¢.

Full Press Release

Ansell Limited Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Ansell Limited Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

Ansell Limited today announced the appointment of Magnus Nicolin to succeed Doug Tough as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

Prior to joining Ansell, Magnus, a Swedish citizen, spent the last three years with Newell Rubbermaid Inc, most recently as President, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. In this capacity Magnus was co-located in France and the US. Prior to that Magnus spent seven years with Esselte Business Systems Inc. in a number of senior executive roles, the last three years as President and Chief Executive Officer.

With early career experience gained at McKinsey and Credit Lyonnais, Magnus also lived in Canada, serving as VP & General Manager of Bayer Diagnostics. Magnus has also served as a Lieutenant in the Swedish Marines attending the Swedish Naval Academy.

In making the announcement, Ansell Chairman Peter Barnes said "Magnus' appointment follows an extensive internal and external search that produced an exceptionally strong candidate pool. The Ansell Board believes that the strategic capabilities and leadership skills that Magnus has already demonstrated, in a global setting, are a great match for Ansell's international businesses and our future strategies for growth across all of those businesses.'

‘We are delighted that Magnus has accepted the position and the Board looks forward to supporting his leadership of the Ansell Group. Magnus will inherit a strong leadership team and a healthy and strong company, established during Doug's tenure over the past five years.'

Magnus will commence with Ansell on 15 February 2010 and will be formally appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on 1 March 2010. He will be located at Ansell's operational head office in Red Bank, New Jersey, USA.

"I am looking forward to joining the Ansell organisation, I have been impressed with the vision of the Board and with the progress made by the organisation under Doug's leadership" says Magnus Nicolin.

Ansell joins global humanitarian effort with shipments of Medical and Occupational gloves to Haiti

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hand protection products help keep relief workers safe

RED BANK, NJ January 27^th 2010 - As aid pours into Haiti for victims injured and displaced by the recent earthquakes, the massive cleanup is just beginning. Ansell is assisting with the relief effort by shipping gloves for medical workers and work crews involved in the search for victims and removal of debris.

Earlier this month, Ansell shipped exam gloves to Haiti, working with Direct Relief International (http://directrelief.org/), a nonprofit humanitarian medical relief organization with trusted partners on the ground in Haiti. The gloves are being used in hospitals and at other sites to examine and treat patients.

Based on specific needs expressed by workers in Haiti, Ansell has now donated additional disposable (both exam and non-exam grade) gloves as well as occupational work gloves. The medical gloves will help protect workers from bodily fluids and assist in the treatment of injured victims, while the occupational gloves will allow for protection against cuts and scrapes while moving rubble and other objects.

"Ansell is proud to help protect members of the medical teams and work crews involved in disaster relief efforts throughout Haiti," said Doug Tough, CEO Ansell Limited. "With so many people injured and countless buildings destroyed or severely damaged, the need for assistance is tremendous."

Ansell has responded to other major disasters in the past, including Hurricane Katrina, the fires in Australia and the tsunami in Southeast Asia. The company routinely provides Direct Relief with medical gloves for charitable use.

About Ansell

Ansell Limited is a global leader in protection solutions and is over 100 years old. With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Ansell employs more than 11,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the natural latex and synthetic polymer glove and condom markets. Ansell operates three main business segments: Occupational Healthcare, supplying hand protection to the industrial market; Professional Healthcare, supplying surgical and examination gloves to healthcare professionals; and Consumer Healthcare, supplying sexual health products and consumer hand protection.

Information on Ansell and its products can be found at http://www.ansell.com/.

Ansell Limited Full Year Results 30 June, 2009 - Guidance Achieved and Dividend Increased

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Highlights:

• Sales of US$1B declined 10.1% year on year, due to the global downturn and
stronger US dollar.
• Reported EPS was US66.3¢ against F’08’s US66.1¢, achieving EPS within the
guidance range in a very challenging economic environment.
• Free cash flow (FCF) of US$121.5M up 52.3% year on year. This was Ansell’s
highest FCF ever as a result of operational focus and financial discipline.
• The Board declared a final unfranked dividend of A16¢, up 3.2% year on year.
Total dividend for F’09 was A28¢ up 5.7% year on year.

Chairman’s Comments:

"Ansell has not escaped the global economic crisis, which has been felt strongly in
our Occupational business. However, our product diversity and strong balance sheet
stood us in good stead and it is particularly encouraging to see the EBIT
improvement in our Professional business. Ansell expects a subdued global
economic outlook in fiscal year 2010 and is continuing to reduce costs, while
ensuring it is positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities”.
“The Board is pleased to have been able to continue with Ansell’s practice of steady
dividend growth” Mr. Peter Barnes said.

F’10 Guidance:

The Company currently expects EPS to be in the range of US56¢ to US62¢.
In the current environment of greater uncertainty, Ansell has widened the guidance
range, and will provide a further update at the AGM in October.

Full Press Release

AnsellCares accepted as a global standard for continued education for OR nursing staff

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Red Bank (NJ, US) - Brussels (BE) - After receiving earlier confirmation of acceptance by its US counterpart (AORN), the AnsellCares educational courses have now also received confirmation of acceptance by the European Operating Room Nurses Association. (EORNA)

The announcement was made at last week's International EORNA Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. EORNA received attendees from all over the world, including representatives from all major Operating Room Nurses Associations globally.

AnsellCares educational courses were announced as the first courses offered under the newly launched EORNA Accreditation Council for Education (ACE). Nurses can access the offering thru the EORNA Academy (online via www.eorna.eu). Courses and tests can be taken online, delivering final results and accreditation points through an EORNA ACE certificate.

EORNA wholeheartedly backs the high quality and thoroughness of the AnsellCares programs. They effectively package best practice for nursing professionals", says Irini Antoniadou, President of EORNA. Following the example of Ansell Healthcare, we are happy to see that other leading industry partners have announced their commitment to equally support the EORNA Academy offering".

In 2002, AnsellCares educational programs were approved by the American Association of periOperative Registered Nurses-AORN. Ansell Healthcare clinical consultants, (many Registered Nurses) regularly contribute to both EORNA and the American Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) through publications and conferences.

"Our presentations last week at the International OR Nurses Congress in Denmark have demonstrated our ongoing commitment to support the healthcare community across the globe, says Werner Heintz, Regional Director of Ansell Healthcare Europe N.V. "In today's volatile and challenging times, it is even more important for the industry to provide the healthcare community with ‘easy to access' educational resources, so that the available resources can secure the quality standards of protection. Our partnership with the OR Nurses globally aims at establishing exactly that".

About Ansell

Ansell Limited is a global leader in protection solutions and is over 114 years old. With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Ansell employs more than 11,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the natural latex and synthetic polymer glove and condom markets. Ansell operates in three main business segments: Occupational Healthcare, supplying hand protection to the industrial market; Professional Healthcare, supplying surgical and examination gloves to healthcare professionals; and Consumer Healthcare, supplying sexual health products and consumer hand protection. Information on Ansell and its products can be found at http://www.ansell.com/ or at http://www.ansell.eu/.

About AnsellCares

The AnsellCares international educational programme was established by Ansell Healthcare in 1992, in a bid to provide a safer working and living environment while promoting good health and well being. The programme consists of a series of on-line and off-line research and educational resources on infection control, hand hygiene and the prevention and treatment of latex allergies. AnsellCares has adopted an advisory role on skin and personal protection issues for the healthcare professionals and at-risk populations, and comes endorsed by reputable independent allergy and medical experts from around the globe, including leading scientists, physicians, educators and researchers.

On-line AnsellCares resources, delivered via courses, lectures, seminars, white papers and other multimedia content, are continuously updated, catering healthcare professionals with free-of-charge educational resources at http://www.anselleurope.com/medical/index.cfm?lang=EN at http://www.ansellhealthcare.com/temps/university/ansellcares/index.cfm

About EORNA

A non-for-profit association, the European Operating Room Nurses Association (EORNA) was founded in 1980, and today consists of 24 member associations, representing 50,000 Healthcare professionals. EORNA exists to enhance and develop perioperative patient care across Europe. It does so by promoting and maintaining a high standard of perioperative patient care; by being the influential voice of perioperative nurses in Europe; and by linking and collaborating with relevant European and international organizations. One of the EORNA's most important educational activities is EORNA ACE, the Accreditation Council for Education. An overview of EORNA ACE is available from the website http://www.eorna.eu/ .

New 2.5 million On-Market Share Buy-Back Program

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Melbourne - Ansell's (ANN:ASX) 5 million share on-market buy-back program, which commenced on 24 April 2008, is being closed as its 12 month term expires on 23 April 2009.

During its life, 800,124 shares were bought back on the ASX, the Company having indicated in August 2008, that it had a preference for accumulating cash for acquisitions over further share buy-backs.

This view has not changed. Ansell continues to believe that attractive acquisition opportunities could become available and that having a strong balance sheet to take advantage of these would be preferable.

However, Ansell also believes that, especially in today's volatile environment, it would be appropriate for the Company to have the capital management flexibility of having an approved on-market share buy-back program in place.

Ansell is today announcing a new 2.5 million share on-market buy-back program, but is also re-iterating that the first priority will be to continue to accumulate cash.

Ansell Limited Half Year Results 31 December, 2008 - EPS Growth 13%, Higher Dividend

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Highlights:

Sales equivalent to a year ago in an increasingly difficult environment.
Solid profit growth in US dollars.
- Reported Earnings Before Interest and Taxes of $61.5million (up 27%).
- Reported Profit Attributable of $54.1million (up 9%)
- Reported Earnings Per Share of US39.8¢ (up 13%)
Australian dollar results much stronger as the weaker AUD translated into Reported
Sales, EBIT, PA, and EPS growth of 12%, 44%, 27% and 31% respectively.
Interim dividend increased to A12¢, up from last year’s A11¢ interim dividend.

Chairman’s Comments:

The Company’s Chairman, Mr Peter Barnes, said “The first half results were good given
the stalling global economy. However, the second half outlook, with lower Occupational
sales and actions taken to reduce excess Occupational inventories, requires a more
cautious view.

Ansell’s solid balance sheet and trading performance has enabled our Board to
continue with the history of steady dividend growth and declare a 9% increase in the
interim dividend to A12¢ a share.”

Full Year Guidance:

Previous annual EPS guidance of US70¢ to US74¢ has, in the current economic
environment, been revised to US65¢ to US70¢.

Full Press Release

Ansell Limited Victorian Bushfire Response

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Melbourne - Earlier today, Ansell Limited announced it will be donating $100,000 to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to support communities impacted by the devastating bushfires, including the matching of donations from employees on a dollar for dollar basis.

In addition Ansell Limited will provide in-kind support in the form of its hand protection products and technical assistance to the various agencies and bodies who will be responsible for implementing the recovery programs being coordinated through the Victorian Government.

Peter Carroll – Regional Director Asia Pacific said today, “This tragedy has hit so close to home and the Ansell team want to do all they can to help. We have contacted the Victorian Government departments who will be coordinating the recovery effort and registered our offer to assist as soon as requirements have been defined”.

Doug Tough, CEO of Ansell, added, “It is impossible to understand what the victims of these bushfires have endured over the last few days, rest assured we will do our part to assist”.

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Ansell Ltd is a global leader in protection solutions and is over 114 years old. With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Ansell employs more than 11,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the natural latex and synthetic polymer glove and condom markets. Ansell operates in three main business segments: Occupational Healthcare, supplying hand protection to the industrial market; Professional Healthcare, supplying surgical and examination gloves to healthcare professionals; and Consumer Healthcare, supplying sexual health products and consumer hand protection. Information on Ansell and its products can be found at www.ansell.com