In a major restructuring move, Unilever’s demerged ice cream business, now operating under The Magnum Ice Cream Company, is set to acquire a 61.9% stake in Kwality Wall’s (India) Ltd (KWIL) following the demerger of the ice cream division from Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL).
🍦 Key Highlights of the Acquisition
- Magnum HoldCo, the Netherlands-based holding firm of the new global ice cream entity, will acquire all KWIL shares issued to the Unilever Group post-demerger
- The acquisition is part of Unilever’s global strategy to spin off its ice cream business into a standalone company by Q4 2025
- HUL shareholders will receive one KWIL share for every HUL share held, aligning with the demerger scheme announced in January 2025
📈 Regulatory and Market Implications
The acquisition is contingent upon:
- Successful demerger of KWIL from HUL
- Listing of KWIL shares on Indian stock exchanges
- Statutory and regulatory approvals under SEBI’s takeover norms
- An open offer by Magnum HoldCo to KWIL’s public shareholders for additional equity
🧊 Strategic Rationale
The move reflects Unilever’s broader Growth Action Plan, recognizing the ice cream segment’s need for dedicated cold chain infrastructure and specialized distribution models. Brands like Kwality Wall’s, Cornetto, and Magnum will now operate under a focused business unit with global reach.
“This transition allows sharper strategic focus and operational agility in a high-growth category,” said a Unilever spokesperson.
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