Unilever mulling sale of US ice cream brands - report

Unilever is reportedly considering the sale of a portfolio of US ice cream brands that could be valued at as much as $3bn.

Bloomberg cited people familiar with the matter as saying that the consumer goods giant is working with advisers to review local brands such as Klondike and Breyers that may be considered for divestment.

It was understood that international labels Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s are not part of the review. Deliberations were said to be ongoing and Unilever may still decide against selling.

Chief executive Alan Jope has already indicated that Unilever will look to divest certain underperfoming businesses, but he’s ruled out a sale of Vermont-based Ben & Jerry’s.

Bloomberg noted that Unilever’s local ice cream brands are often produced at the same sites as its international ones, potentially complicating a sales process.