Unilever PLC - Further Acqn. of Interest

RNS No 3241b
UNILEVER PLC
UNILEVER NV
12th May 1998

            UNILEVER ACQUIRES OUTSTANDING SHARES OF
                  MEXICAN ICE CREAM BUSINESS

Unilever Mexico has acquired the outstanding shares in Helados
Holanda SA, a Mexican ice cream business, for an undisclosed
sum.

Unilever Mexico originally held 50.1% of Helados Holanda in a
joint venture agreement, signed in January 1997, with Grupo
Quan and Grupo Industrial Bimbo.  Holanda is the market leader
in  Mexico and has sales of US$ 64million (#39m approx).  It
has manufacturing units in Mexico City and Aguas Calientes and
employs some 500 people.

At the same time Unilever will integrate most of the
activities of Friser SA, its current distributor, into the
Mexican ice cream business.  Friser SA was part of a joint
venture between Grupo Quan, Grupo Industrial Bimbo and
Unilever, where Unilever held a minority interest. The Friser
cold distribution network, comprising several depots, 600 vans
and some 900 people will be integrated with the Holanda
business.

After only one year's operation Unilever, through its
involvement with the original Holanda joint venture, has
successfully introduced into Mexico its international ice
cream brands, such as Magnum, Cornetto, Viennetta and Calippo.
The acquisition of the remaining Holanda shares and Friser assets
consolidates its position and will give Unilever a solid
platform for future expansion in the fast growing market.

e-mail:   [e-mail]
internet: http://www.unilever.co

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