Bestfoods Favour UnileverDeal

Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
2 October 2000


BESTFOODS SHAREHOLDERS FAVOUR UNILEVER DEAL

 
Unilever confirmed this afternoon that Bestfoods' shareholders, meeting in
New Jersey, have voted in favour of the acquisition of Bestfoods by Unilever.
Shareholders of Unilever PLC and N.V. gave their approval to the proposal at
separate meetings this morning.
 
The closing remains subject to certain conditions set out in the merger
agreement. It is anticipated that the transaction will be completed on
Wednesday October 4, 2000.
 
 
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995:
This press release contains certain 'forward-looking' statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements are based on management's current expectations and are naturally
subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary
materially from the expectations contained herein. The forward-looking
statements contained herein include statements about completion of the
pending acquisition of Bestfoods by Unilever. Factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those described herein include: the
inability to obtain necessary antitrust approvals and actions of the U.S.,
foreign and local governments. More detailed information about these factors
is set forth in the reports filed by Bestfoods and furnished by Unilever with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither Unilever nor Bestfoods is
under any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to)
update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise

In connection with the merger, Bestfoods has filed a definitive proxy
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and mailed copies of
this definitive proxy statement to Bestfoods security holders. SECURITY
HOLDERS OF BESTFOODS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT BECAUSE IT
CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE MERGER. Investors and security
holders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and other documents
filed by Bestfoods with, and furnished by Unilever to, the Securities and
Exchange Commission in connection with the merger at the Securities and
Exchange Commission's web-site at www.sec.gov. Security holders of Bestfoods
may also obtain for free a copy of the proxy statement and other documents
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Bestfoods in connection
with the merger by contacting Rainer H. Mimberg, Investor Relations, +1 201
894 2837. Security holders of Bestfoods may also obtain for free copies of
documents furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by Unilever in
connection with the merger by contacting Howard Green, Investor Relations,
[phone].