Ansell Limited Acquires a Minority Share in Yulex Corporation

Ansell Limited announces that 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 notes, "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," says 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."