Unilever PLC - Disposal of Subsidiary

RNS No 4074c
UNILEVER PLC
UNILEVER NV
23rd April 1998

   
        UNILEVER TO SELL PLANT BREEDING INTERNATIONAL
   
   Unilever announced today that it intends to sell its
   Plant Breeding International Cambridge Limited (PBIC)
   subsidiary as part of the strategic development of its
   portfolio of businesses.
   
   Commenting on the intention, PBIC chairman Peter Slator
   said: "The proposed sale recognises PBIC's need to
   develop further its plant breeding capability by gaining
   access to the research and development of a global plant
   science company.
   
   "The decision to sell PBIC is based on achieving a
   strategic fit with just such a business.  The Board of
   PBIC fully supports the move, and believes it to be in
   the best interests of the company, its employees and UK
   agriculture.  The sale is consistent with Unilever's
   continued strategy to focus resources on achieving
   outstanding growth in its consumer goods operations," he
   said.
   
   PBIC was acquired by Unilever from the British
   Government in 1987, and had a turnover of #16 million
   last year.  It employs just over 300 people, primarily
   in Cambridge, England, but also has operations in
   France, Germany and Scotland.
   
   The Government has been informed of the intention to
   sell PBIC.
                                           
   PBIC is a successful business with high shares in
   European seeds markets, particularly in winter wheat
   where it is the market leader in Europe.  It also has
   significant breeding programmes for barley, oil seed
   rape, pulses and potato, and sells seed varieties in
   many European markets.
   
   The work which PBIC currently undertakes for Unilever's
   food businesses will be subject to discussion with
   prospective purchasers of PBIC.  Unilever will, however,
   continue to support its oil palm and tea plantations
   activities as these form an essential component in
   conferring competitive advantage to its consumer goods
   operations.
   
   J P Morgan have been appointed by Unilever to advise on,
   and conduct, the sale process on its behalf.
   
   Further announcements will be made as appropriate.
                              
   e-mail:   [e-mail]
   Internet: http://www.unilever.com

END

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