Unilever to buy Sara Lee personal care business

25th Sep 2009 11:50

Food and households goods giant Unilever is to pay €1.275bn for the personal care business from its US rival Sara Lee.The acquisition would bring brands such as Brylcreem and Sanex skin cream into Unilever's already extensive portfolio, which includes Lynx deodorant and Dove soap.Unilever said that the acquisitions would strengthen its position in Western Europe, where most of Sara Lee's body care products are sold. It added that it had potential to develop them in developing and emerging markets.'Personal Care is a strategic category and a key growth driver for Unilever,' said Unilever chief executive Paul Polman, who joined the firm last year. 'This transaction builds on our portfolio in Western Europe and also in Asia. The Sara Lee brands enjoy strong consumer recognition, offer significant growth potential and are an excellent fit with Unilever's existing business.'