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Unilever

British multinational consumer goods company

Unilever, founded in 1929, produces a wide range of products including food, beauty, cleaning agents, and more. It is known for brands like Dove, Knorr, and Ben & Jerry's. The company has expanded globally through acquisitions and has a focus on health and beauty brands in recent years. Unilever is listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam.

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Nestlé Procter & Gamble Heineken N.V.Johnson & Johnson The Kraft Heinz Company PepsiCo Reliance Group UNICEF Eli Lilly and Company The Coca-Cola Company

Timeline

Launch of the first branded soap by William Lever

In 1884, William Lever and Lever & Co launched the first branded soap, a milestone in the history of Unilever.

Construction of Port Sunlight by William Lever

In 1887, William Lever initiated the construction of Port Sunlight, a significant industrial village associated with Unilever's history.

The first research lab is built at Port Sunlight

In 1911, Lever Brothers constructed their first research laboratory at Port Sunlight, focusing on various aspects of soap production and raw material analysis.

The formation of Margarine Unie

In 1927, Margarine Unie was established through the merger of margarine businesses Jurgens, Van den Bergh, Centra, and Schicht, expanding the European production of oils and fats.

Formation of Unilever PLC

Unilever PLC was established on 2 September 1929 through the merger of British soap maker Lever Brothers and Dutch margarine producer Margarine Unie. The company is a British multinational fast-moving consumer goods company with headquarters in London.

Margarine Unie and Lever Brothers unite to establish Unilever

On 2 September 1929, Margarine Unie and Lever Brothers signed an agreement to create Unilever, one of the largest industrial amalgamations in European history, officially established on 1 January 1930.

Establishment of Unilever Indonesia

Unilever Indonesia was established in December 1933 as Lever Zeepfabrieken N.V. and had operations in Cikarang, West Java at Rungkut, East Java and North Sumatra.

Acquisition of T. J. Lipton, Frosted Foods, and Batchelors Peas

In 1943, Unilever acquired T. J. Lipton, a majority stake in Frosted Foods (owner of the Birds Eye brand in the UK) and Batchelors Peas, one of the largest vegetables canners in the United Kingdom.

Acquisition of Pepsodent

In 1944, Unilever acquired Pepsodent.

Acquisition of Good Humor ice cream business

The US-based Good Humor ice cream business was acquired by Unilever in 1961.

Acquisition of Lipton Ltd

In 1971, Unilever acquired the British-based Lipton Ltd from Allied Suppliers.

Acquisition of National Starch

In 1978, National Starch was acquired by Unilever for $487 million, marking the largest ever foreign-acquisition of a US company at that point.

Unilever acquires Brooke Bond

In 1984, Unilever acquired Brooke Bond, the maker of PG Tips tea, for £390 million in its first successful takeover.

Unilever acquires Ponds

In 1986, Unilever strengthened its position in the world skin care market by acquiring Ponds, the maker of Ragú, Pond's, Aqua-Net, Cutex, and Vaseline in another hostile takeover.

Unilever buys Calvin Klein Cosmetics, Fabergé, and Elizabeth Arden

In 1989, Unilever bought Calvin Klein Cosmetics, Fabergé, and Elizabeth Arden, but later sold Elizabeth Arden to FFI Fragrances in 2000.

Establishment of Unilever Ghana

In July 1992, Unilever Ghana was established following a merger of UAC Ghana Limited and Lever Brothers Ghana Limited.

Unilever acquires Breyers

In 1993, Unilever acquired Breyers from Kraft, becoming the largest ice cream manufacturer in the United States.

Merger of Elida Gibbs and Lever Brothers

In 1996, Unilever merged Elida Gibbs and Lever Brothers in its UK operations, also acquiring Helene Curtis and expanding its presence in the United States shampoo and deodorant market.

Unilever sells speciality chemicals division

In 1997, Unilever sold its speciality chemicals division, including National Starch & Chemical, Quest, Unichema, and Crosfield, to Imperial Chemical Industries for £4.9 billion.

Establishment of Unilever sustainable agriculture programme

In 1998, Unilever established a sustainable agriculture programme.

Unilever acquires Maille, Ben & Jerry's, SlimFast, and Bestfoods

In 2000, Unilever acquired Maille, Ben & Jerry's, SlimFast, and Bestfoods for £1.63 billion, significantly expanding its food portfolio.

Mercury Contamination Scandal in Kodaikanal

In 2001, a mercury thermometer factory operated by Unilever's Indian subsidiary in Kodaikanal was shut down for dumping toxic mercury wastes. This led to environmental contamination and health issues among workers, sparking debates on corporate responsibility and negligence.

Launch of Unilever Sustainable Living Plan

In 2010, Unilever launched the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, a blueprint for a sustainable business model. The plan includes targets to improve health and wellbeing, reduce environmental impact, and enhance livelihoods.

Price-fixing Fine by European Commission

Unilever was fined €104 million by the European Commission in April 2011 for involvement in a price-fixing cartel for washing powder in Europe, along with other companies like Procter & Gamble and Henkel.

Unilever's business growth with 14 billion-euro brands

By 2012, Unilever's turnover exceeded €50 billion, with 14 brands each generating over €1 billion in sales annually, contributing significantly to the company's growth.

Recognition for Unilever's initiatives on women's opportunities

In 2013, Unilever received the prestigious Catalyst Award for its initiatives promoting gender diversity and creating opportunities for women in the workforce across different regions.

Lawsuit Against Hampton Creek

Unilever filed a lawsuit against Hampton Creek in November 2014, alleging market share seizure and false advertising of Just Mayo products. The lawsuit sparked media attention and discussions on food industry practices.

Unilever Acquires GROM

In May 2015, Unilever acquired the Italian premium ice cream maker GROM, further diversifying its product offerings.

Contamination Scare at Unilever's Arad Plant

Globes reported possible contamination sourced in pigeon faeces at Unilever's Arad plant, leading to the Health Ministry suspecting other sources. The production line was deemed automatic, minimizing the chance of human error.

Suspension of Manufacturing License at Unilever's Arad Plant

Israeli Health minister suspended Unilever's manufacturing license at the Arad plant due to negligent mistakes discovered during an inspection, leading to traces of salmonella in cereals produced.

Unilever Acquires Blueair

On 16 August 2016, Unilever acquired Blueair, a supplier of mobile indoor air purification technologies, expanding its presence in the air purification sector.

Salmonella Contamination in Unilever's Tehina Products

Unilever announced that Tehina products produced by RJM were contaminated with salmonella, adding to the series of contamination issues faced by the company.

Unilever Acquires Living Proof Inc.

On 16 December 2016, Unilever acquired Living Proof Inc., a hair care products business, to strengthen its presence in the hair care industry.

Unilever halts social media advertising

On June 26, 2020, Unilever announced a pause in advertising on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter in the U.S. due to concerns over hate speech and misinformation, aligning with the 'Stop Hate For Profit' campaign.

Ben & Jerry's decision to end sales in 'Occupied Palestinian Territory'

In July 2021, Ben & Jerry's announced plans to stop sales in the 'Occupied Palestinian Territory' due to it being considered illegal under international law. This decision led to clashes between Ben & Jerry's independent board and Unilever, the parent company.

Unilever placed on list of 'Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel'

In August 2021, Florida governor Ron DeSantis added Unilever to a list of companies boycotting Israel due to its failure to prevent Ben & Jerry's from terminating business in Israeli-controlled territories.

Unilever sells tea business to CVC Capital Partners

In November 2021, Unilever agreed to sell most of its tea business to CVC Capital Partners for €4.5 billion, excluding operations in India, Indonesia, Nepal, and the Lipton Ice Tea joint-venture with PepsiCo.

Unilever's trade in Russia amid the Russo-Ukrainian War

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Unilever temporarily suspended all imports and exports to Russia. However, its Russian wing continued to trade there, leading to criticism that the company might indirectly support Russia's war effort in Ukraine.

Unilever sells Ben & Jerry's division in Israel to American Quality Products

In June 2022, Unilever announced the sale of its Ben & Jerry's division in Israel to American Quality Products, allowing the latter to continue selling Ben & Jerry's products in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Ben & Jerry's expressed disagreement with the decision.

New CEO Hein Schumacher's statement on Unilever's presence in Russia

On 25 July 2023, Unilever's new CEO Hein Schumacher mentioned that the company had contemplated leaving Russia or selling its business due to the conflict situation. However, they decided to continue with a limited presence in Russia as the better alternative.

Unilever plans to spin off ice cream unit

In March 2024, Unilever revealed plans to spin off its ice cream unit, including popular brands like Magnum and Ben & Jerry's, into a standalone business by the end of 2025 as part of a cost-saving initiative that would result in 7,500 job cuts.

End of the Timeline
Unilever

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