Disposal

Unilever PLC
19 June 2001

Release: Immediate



          UNILEVER PLANS SALE OF WOMENS HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC SUBSIDIARY



Unilever has announced today that it intends to seek buyers for its women's
health diagnostics subsidiary, Unipath Limited, as it continues to focus
resource behind selected consumer brands in its 'Path to Growth' Strategy.

Unipath is best known for its Clearblue home pregnancy test and ClearPlan
range of home ovulation and fertility monitoring systems, which are global
leaders in their respective market sectors, and for the Persona method of
contraception distributed in Europe. The company also produces a range of
clinical diagnostic products for the medical profession.

Announcing Unilever's intention to sell Unipath, Keki Dadiseth, Unilever
director responsible for world-wide Home and Personal Care operations, said:
'Unipath has brought innovative technology to the women's health diagnostics
market since its formation in 1984. It is a largely stand-alone business which
we believe would benefit from a new parent company, better able to focus on
developing its full potential.'

Unipath's head office is in Bedford, UK. This is also the sole research,
development and manufacturing site for its products and centre of its
world-wide sales/distribution network. It employs a total 480 people of whom
some 60 are dedicated to research and development projects.

It has its own sales and distribution capability in United States, United
Kingdom, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Germany. In many other markets
Unipath's products are sold through leading distributors. It is well placed to
exploit emerging markets through this network and existing international
distribution agreements.

The business has enjoyed sound revenue growth over the past five years,
averaging 15 per cent per annum. Sales for 2000 exceeded Euro100 million of
which one-half came from Europe with the remainder divided roughly equally
between the United States and the rest of the world. The business is
profitable.

Full consultation is being held with employee representatives about the
proposed sale. Customers and suppliers will be kept informed.

Deutsche Bank has been engaged to assist with the sale process and Unilever
will continue to support the business. Further announcements will be made in
due course as appropriate

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June 19, 2001