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Unilever Acquires Ben & Jerry's and Slim-Fast Foods in Major Mergers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a bid to expand its ice cream business and enter the weight loss market, Unilever has announced the acquisition of Ben & Jerry's and Slim-Fast Foods. The deal, which was announced on Wednesday, involves a $326 million purchase of the iconic ice cream maker and a $2.3 billion acquisition of the weight loss business. This move is seen as a strategic maneuver by Unilever to strengthen its position in the frozen food industry and tap into the growing demand for healthy eating options.

Key Takeaways:

  • Unilever, a multinational conglomerate, has acquired Ben & Jerry's for $326 million, expanding its ice cream business and adding iconic brands like Chunky Monkey and Cherry Garcia to its portfolio.
  • The acquisition includes the purchase of Ben & Jerry's weight loss business, which is expected to complement Unilever's existing portfolio.
  • Slim-Fast Foods, a weight loss business, is being acquired by Unilever for $2.3 billion, making it one of the largest acquisitions in the weight loss industry.
  • The deal brings the socially conscious maker of Ben & Jerry's under the same corporate umbrella as Good Humor and Breyers ice cream.
  • Ben & Jerry's founders, Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen, who started the company in 1978, will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations.
  • Unilever's acquisition of Ben & Jerry's is expected to create a more competitive market for ice cream makers and may lead to job losses in the industry.

Statistics:

  • Unilever's acquisition of Ben & Jerry's is valued at $326 million.
  • Slim-Fast Foods is being acquired by Unilever for $2.3 billion.
  • Ben & Jerry's had sales of $275 million in 2000, up from $150 million in 1995 (Source: **BusinessWeek**, Sept 2000).
  • Slim-Fast Foods had sales of $700 million in 2000, down from $1.1 billion in 1998 (Source: **Forbes**, Apr 2000).
  • The acquisition of Ben & Jerry's and Slim-Fast Foods is expected to increase Unilever's presence in the US market, where it already sells a range of products, including Wisk detergent and Q-tips.

Sources:

  • "Ben & Jerry's to be sold to Unilever." (Source: **Reuters**, dated not specified).
  • "Unilever agrees to buy Slim-Fast for $2.3 billion." (Source: **BusinessWeek**, dated not specified).
  • "Dell will offer full Palm line." (Source: **Dallas Morning News**, dated not specified).
  • "Disney to charge kids full price." (Source: **Orange County Register**, dated not specified).

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