Controlling Interest Bought in Colombian Business

Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
17 November 1999


            UNILEVER ACQUIRES CONTROLLING INTEREST
                     IN COLOMBIAN BUSINESS


Unilever has acquired a 60% controlling interest in the family-
owned Colombian home and personal care company, Varela SA
(Varela), for an undisclosed sum.  As part of the deal,
Unilever's Colombian homecare business will be merged into the
Varela operation.

Varela, founded in 1929 and still based in Cali, Colombia,
holds strong market positions in the laundry soap and personal
wash categories.  Its leading brands include Puro laundry soap
bar and Sensus and Juno toilet soaps. Varela and Unilever's
Colombian homecare businesses together account for sales in
excess of  US$ 100 million .

Unilever believes that combining the local strengths of Varela
with its own international brands and expertise, will
significantly enhance its position in the Colombian homecare
market.  It will create a strong base from which to generate
growth and innovative products for the benefit of consumers.

Unilever will be responsible of the day to day management of
the business. The board of the company will comprise
representatives of both Unilever and the Varela family.

This investment demonstrates Unilever's commitment to
enhancing its presence in Latin America, where its sales for
the first nine months of 1999 totalled £2.55 billion and
operating profit, £223 million.