Corporate venture investment

Unilever PLC
30 September 2002

Release: Immediate

                UNILEVER TO INVEST €170M IN CORPORATE VENTURING

Unilever is to invest €170 million in building business opportunities close to
its core business interests in Foods and Home and Personal Care.

It has taken the position as sponsor and lead investor - committing €100 million
- in the newly created Langholm Capital Partners Fund which today (September 30)
announced its first closing. Langholm will target investments principally in
mid-market European consumer-facing businesses.

Simultaneously Unilever is developing two independent venture funds of its own.
It will invest up to €40 million over three years in Unilever Ventures which
will act as an early stage business development fund supporting early stage
business ideas. Investment in any particular business is expected to range
between €200,000 and €3 million over the life of the investment. Where
appropriate, external institutional funding may be raised.

Fully owned and funded by the Group, Unilever Ventures combines Unilever and
venture capital expertise and will operate as an independent venture capital
fund. It will be able to draw on Unilever's marketing, research and supply chain
expertise to develop ideas sourced from both inside and outside the business.

And a further €30 million over three years will be invested in Unilever
Technology Ventures, based in Santa Barbara, California, which will identify and
invest in technology-based funds and start-up companies. Its aim will be to
enhance the scope and quality of Unilever's own R&D activities by exploiting new
technologies. Areas of investment will include genomics, advanced bioscience,
advanced materials science and nanotechnology.

Unilever chairman Niall FitzGerald described the development as an exciting and
challenging initiative for the Group. 'We have identified substantial long-term
growth opportunities in areas adjacent to our businesses, but recognised we need
specialist expertise in developing their full potential.

'In combining our business knowledge and marketing experience with the undoubted
expertise available in venture capital and in private equity, we have a unique
partnership. This enterprising approach - reflecting the new culture in Unilever
- will bring ideas and services that will create new 'connections' with
consumers world wide.'

                                     -o0o-

Note to Editors:

Further information about Unilever Ventures and Unilever Technology Ventures can
be accessed through www.unileverventures.com and
www.unilevertechnologyventures.com

See also separate Langholm Capital Fund announcement made today.



September 30 2002


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