UNILEVER SELLS SOUP/SAUCE BRANDS TO CAMPBELL
By Adnews Staff
London-based Unilever has sold several of its soup and sauce businesses in Europe to Campbell Soup Company of Camden, NJ for US$950 million. The sale includes three dry soup brands: Batchelors in the United Kingdom, Royco in France and Belgium, and Heisse Tasse in Germany. Oxo bouillon cubes in the United Kingdom have also been bought. The brands are being sold as a result of Unilever's acquisition of Bestfoods last year. According to Campbell, these brands will expand its global soup franchise and strengthen its current market positions in France, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom. Also included in the sale is the Lesieur mayonnaise and dressings business in France, McDonnells dry soups and sauces in Ireland and Bla Band instant and regular dry soup and dry sauces in Sweden.