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Unilever Confirms Exploratory Talks to Sell Food Division to McCormick

The companies caution that discussions remain preliminary with no agreed price or timetable.

Overview

  • The portfolio under review includes Hellmann's, Knorr, Marmite and Pot Noodle and produced about €12.9 billion in 2025, roughly a quarter of Unilever’s revenue.
  • Jefferies estimates the standalone value of the unit at about $36–37 billion, and the Financial Times reports a cash-and-stock financing mix is being considered.
  • McCormick, based in Maryland and generating roughly $7 billion in annual sales, confirmed talks with Unilever on a potential strategic transaction.
  • Terms, valuation and deal structure remain unsettled, and both parties emphasize there is no certainty the negotiations will result in an agreement.
  • The move would extend Unilever’s pivot toward beauty, personal care and home care after the 2025 ice-cream spin-off and an earlier spreads sale, with prior discussions with Kraft Heinz ending without a deal.