Businessweek

Unilever N.V. engages in the production and sale of fast moving consumer goods in Asia, Africa, central and eastern Europe, the Americas, and western Europe. Products and Brands The company manages its brands under the following four principal areas: personal care, home care, foods, and refreshment. The company's personal care products include skin care and hair care products, deodorants, and oral care products. The company's home care products include laundry tablets, powders and liquids, soap bars, and a range of cleaning products. The company's food products include soups, bouillons, sauces, snacks, mayonnaise, salad dressings, margarines and spreads, and cooking products, such as liquid margarines. The company's refreshment products include ice cream, tea-based beverages, weight-management products, and nutritionally enhanced staples sold in developing markets. Acquisitions In January 2011, the company acquired EVGA’s ice cream brands and distribution network in Greece In March 2011, the company completed the purchase of 100% of Alberto Culver. This acquisition added brands to its existing portfolio, including TRESemme, Nexxus, St. Ives, and Noxzema in the United States and internationally. In July 2011, the company purchased the Colombian Laundry business from Colgate-Palmolive. In December 2011 the company completed acquisition of 82% of the outstanding shares of Concern Kalina, a local personal care company in Russia. In December 2011, the company also acquired Ingman Ice Cream. Dispositions In June 2011, the company completed the sale of the global Sanex business to Colgate-Palmolive. In June 2011, the company also disposed Simple Soap in the U.K., the Republic of Ireland, and the Channel Islands; and the Cidal and Wright’s brands worldwide. In August 2011, the company sold the Alberto VO5 brand in the United States and Puerto Rico. In December 2011, the company completed the sale of Culver Specialty Brands division to B&G Foods, Inc. History Unilever N.V. was founded in 1927.