Unilever CEO and McCormick CEO Explain the Deal as the Two Companies Combine

Unilever (UL) anticipates price hikes in H2 2026 to offset rising raw material costs, with underlying sales up 5.8% in Q2. Home Care division saw 9.1% sales growth but faces cost pressures, while World Cup promotions temporarily reduced Personal Care prices. The company expects slower volume growth but maintains full-year sales outlook of 4-6%.

JPMorgan upgraded Reckitt to Overweight and placed Heineken and Unilever on positive catalyst watch, citing potential upside in earnings and growth. The firm expects high-single-digit EPS growth for the sector, with food and HPC companies at 6%-7%, beer at 7%-8%, and spirits at 3%-4%. JPMorgan sees cautious optimism for the second half of the year, supported by emerging-market momentum and other factors.

Colman's Mustard is up for sale as part of a £48bn merger between Unilever and McCormick. Unilever seeks to address competition concerns by selling the brand, which has never had a foreign owner. McCormick already owns French’s Mustard. Unilever aims to focus on home and personal care products.

Unilever is selling Colman's mustard brand to address competition concerns ahead of its £34b food division merger with McCormick, expected to generate $20b in 2025 revenue. Unilever will receive $15.7b and a 9.9% stake in the new company. No valuation for Colman's has been disclosed yet.

Unilever is selling the Colman's Mustard brand, known for its Norwich factory, ahead of its merger with McCormick. The sale aims to address competition concerns, according to Unilever. The brand has historical ties to the region, dating back to 1814.

Unilever is selling Colman’s Mustard to address potential competition concerns ahead of its £48bn merger with McCormick. The sale, overseen by Rothschild, aims to prevent regulatory issues due to McCormick’s ownership of French’s Mustard. Unilever seeks to clear the deal with UK and US regulators.