Disposal

Unilever PLC
15 May 2003

Release: Immediate

                  UNILEVER TO SELL PURFLEET EDIBLE OIL REFINERY

Unilever announced today that it is to sell its Van den Bergh Oils business in
the U.K, to Pura Foods Ltd, a subsidiary of ADM International Ltd, as part of
its Path to Growth strategy to focus on leading brands. There are 140 people in
the Van den Bergh Oils business.

Van den Bergh Oils, based in Purfleet, has built a substantial business with
third party sales totalling some £40 million. As a fully self-supporting
business it will be able to grow and develop further as an important player in
the European edible oil refining industry under its new ownership.

Employee representatives are being consulted about the sale. Customers and
suppliers will be kept informed. Further announcements will be made as
appropriate.

The margarine factory owned by Unilever Bestfoods UK and situated on an adjacent
site to the Van den Bergh Oils refinery is not part of this sale. It will
continue to manufacture such household brand names as Flora, I Can't Believe
It's Not Butter and Olivio. The margarine factory employs approximately 300
people.

                                      -o0o-

May 15 2003




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