Brandtree

When did Unilever buy and sell its brands?

Unilever has completed 4 recorded acquisitions and 2 divestitures or spin-offs, spanning 2000 to 2025.

DateTypeAssetsCounterpartyValue
Dec 2025Spin-offBen & Jerry's, Magnum, Wall's and Cornetto +10The Magnum Ice Cream Company—
Jul 2018DivestitureFlora, Becel, Country Crock and I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! +3KKR€6.83bn
May 2011AcquisitionTRESemmé, VO5, Simple and St. Ives +1Alberto Culver$3.7bn
Oct 2000AcquisitionHellmann's, Knorr and MaizenaBestfoods$24.3bn
Aug 2000AcquisitionBen & Jerry'sBen & Jerry's Homemade—
Mar 2000AcquisitionColman's——

2025

Spin-off closed

Ben & Jerry's, Magnum, Wall's, Cornetto, Breyers, Talenti, Yasso, Popsicle, Klondike, Twister, Carte d'Or, Viennetta, Solero and Calippo separated from Unilever

Unilever separated its ice cream business as The Magnum Ice Cream Company, whose shares were admitted to trading on Euronext Amsterdam, the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange on 8 December 2025. Unilever shareholders received shares in the new company as a demerger dividend, and Unilever retained a 19.9% stake at admission.

Value
—
Seller
Unilever
Regulatory
None recorded

2018

Divestiture closed

KKR acquires Flora, Becel, Country Crock, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, Rama, Blue Band and ProActiv

Unilever sold its spreads business to KKR, which established it as a standalone company named Upfield. Unilever had been trying to exit margarine for years as consumption declined, and the sale followed its rejection of a takeover approach from Kraft Heinz that had prompted a strategic review.

Value
€6.83bn
Buyer
KKR
Seller
Unilever
Regulatory
None recorded

2011

2000

Acquisition closed

Unilever acquires Ben & Jerry's

Unilever's subsidiary Conopco acquired Ben & Jerry's Homemade in a two-step transaction: a cash tender offer at $43.60 per share through Vermont All Natural Expansion Company, followed by a back-end merger. The merger agreement created an independent board with a continuing social mission mandate.

Value
—
Regulatory
None recorded
Acquisition closed

Unilever acquires Colman's

Unilever acquired the French condiments group Amora-Maille, adding mustard and sauce brands in France. The European Commission cleared the transaction subject to commitments.

Value
—
Seller
—