At London International Group , manufacturers of the well-known Durex brand of condoms, the big push is on to take the brand name into large new markets, particularly in South East Asia. There is talk acquiring other condom makers and the group's ancillary medical glove's business in the US is also achieving market penetration.

The push for global growth and widening profit margins are reflected in improved annual profitability. The group this week announced that annual pre-tax profits increased 14 per cent to close on £41 million sterling. The latest gentleman's friend to roll off the production line is the up-market "super-sensitive" Avanti which, although costing three times the price of the standard product, is selling well. The share price has swelled on growth hopes, gaining 45 per cent since last November and adding a further 11p to 208p on the results.