Intention to sell

Unilever PLC
2 May 2002

Release: Immediate



                  UNILEVER PLANS SALE OF LODERS CROKLAAN GROUP



Unilever announced today that it intends to sell its international speciality
oils and fats business, Loders Croklaan Group, as part of its Path to Growth
strategy which focuses on core activities.

Loders Croklaan has factories in Wormerveer, near Amsterdam, and in Channahon,
near Chicago, with smaller plants in Toronto and Cairo and sales offices in a
further seven countries. The business employs some 600 people and in 2001 had
sales of € 265 million.

Loders Croklaan is a well respected, self-standing business with a strong
innovation record. It has traditionally supplied the confectionery and bakery
industries world-wide but also has a division focused on supplying nutritional
oils and fats to manufacturers. Unilever believes that the business' future
would be best served by a new parent company able to focus on the development of
its full potential.

Employee representatives are being consulted about the proposed sale. Customers
and suppliers will be kept informed.



Unilever has engaged Deutsche Bank to assist with the sale process. Further
announcements will be made as appropriate.



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May 2 2002



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