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Unilever, the multinational consumer goods giant, has announced that it has received a binding offer from Dutch food company Zwanenberg Food Group to acquire the soup and meat brands Unox and Zwan for an undisclosed sum.
Launched in 1928 and 1937 respectively, the Zwan and Unox brands have been part of Unilever’s portfolio for nearly a century.
In a statement, the company said it plans to sharpen its foods portfolio, prioritising fewer, larger brands in cooking aids, mini meals, and condiments.
“The meat and soup products of Unox and Zwan require a distinct supply chain, sourcing model and set of technological and R&D capabilities, making them less scalable within the broader Unilever Foods portfolio”, Unilever said in a statement.
News of the deal comes just a day after Paulig announced a deal to acquire Conimex, another of Unilever’s long-standing brands in the Netherlands.
Commenting on the move, Unilever Foods president Heiko Schipper said: “Unox is a beloved and iconic brand in the Netherlands and the decision to part with it has not been easy. […] Zwan is a cherished brand in Belgium, associated with comfort and nostalgia and with quick and easy meals, making the brand a beloved part of everyday Belgium life”.
Zwanenberg Food Group CEO Sjoerd van der Laan said: “The Unox and Zwan brands are a wonderful addition to our range. We are a broad food company with strong brands. After the acquisition of the Unilever factory in Oss in 2018, the acquisition of the Unox and Zwan brands is a great addition that fits in perfectly with our ambitions”.
The transaction is expected to be completed within 2025, subject to closing conditions, regulatory approvals, and consultations.
Source: Unilever
