Notice of EGM, etc

Unilever PLC
16 August 2000


UNILEVER INVITES SHAREHOLDERS TO VOTE ON BESTFOODS ACQUISITION

 
Unilever shareholders will be asked to approve the acquisition of Bestfoods
at extraordinary general meetings in London and Rotterdam on Monday October
2, 2000.
 
Agreement to acquire Bestfoods was announced on June 6. It is subject to both
shareholder approval and regulatory clearances. Unilever and Bestfoods have
filed for anti-trust clearance from the Federal Trade Commission in the
United States and Unilever has formally filed today, August 16, with the
European Commission.
 
In a shareholder circular published today, the Unilever chairmen Niall
FitzGerald and Antony Burgmans write: 'The acquisition of Bestfoods will
bring into the Unilever family of companies an outstanding international
foods business.'
 
The acquisition is directly in line with Unilever's Path to Growth strategy
which requires the focus of resources on leading brands with enduring
consumer appeal. 'The focused Bestfoods range of products exhibits just these
characteristics. Indeed, the Board believes that the acquisition will
accelerate our strategy and provide a platform for expansion into new
channels, markets and regions,' the chairmen write.
 
They conclude: 'As the integration of the businesses proceeds, we will ensure
that the very best resources, whether derived from Unilever or Bestfoods, are
used to drive our combined business forward to create the pre-eminent global
food and consumer products business.'
 
 
Note to Editors: 
The extraordinary general meetings of Unilever PLC and Unilever N.V. will be
held at:
Unilever House, Blackfriars, London EC4P 4BQ, on Monday October 2, 2000 at
9.30am
and at Unilever House, Weena 455, 3013 AL Rotterdam, on Monday October 2,
2000 at 10am.
 
It is expected that the Bestfoods'shareholder meeting will be held on or
about October 2. Details to
be announced by Bestfoods in due course.
 

The text of the shareholder circular may be accessed on www.unilever.com