Lazard is acting as adviser to SSL International, the healthcare group that is best known for Durex condoms and Scholl footcare products and is the subject of bid interest from Reckitt Benckiser.

Last month, SSL, which has a market capitalisation of £619m (€876m), admitted it was "in preliminary discussions which may or may not lead to an offer for the group". Lazard is leading SSL's advisory effort.