Unilever Acquires Body Care and Detergent Brands from Sara Lee

Posted: September 25, 2009

Unilever NV has acquired the personal care brands of Sara Lee Corp. For US$1.88 billion (€1.28 billion) Unilever will assume Sara Lee's global body care and European detergent brands including Sanex, Duschdas, Radox and Switzal.

The acquisition reportedly will bolster Unilever's presence in Wester Europe in addition to complementing its Dove soap and Axe deodorant lines. Sara Lee plans to invest for growth in its core food and beverage businesses.

The aquisition is subject to regulatory approval but is expected to close in 2010. It would be the largest purchase for Unilever since its US$2.6 billion acquisition of Ben & Jerry's in 2000.