Unilever PLC - Re EC Ice Cream Decision

RNS No 0032t
UNILEVER PLC
UNILEVER N V
7th July 1998



       UNILEVER WINS SUSPENSION OF EC ICE CREAM DECISION


Unilever and its Irish ice cream subsidiary, HB Ice Cream
Limited, were today granted a suspension of the European
Commission's decision banning the provision of dedicated
freezer cabinets to retailers in the Irish market.

The President of the Court of First Instance, sitting in
Luxembourg, granted the suspension pending HB Ice Cream's
appeal against the EC decision.

A spokesman for Unilever said: "We are delighted with the
outcome of this hearing.  It clears the way for the full
appeal before the Court of First Instance.

"We strongly believe that the current practice in the ice
cream market in Ireland of having dedicated ice cream cabinets
is in the public interest.  Consumer choice and service is
enhanced by the provision of cabinets.  They do not foreclose
the market."

Meanwhile in a separate action, the Irish Supreme Court as
well, has decided to continue the injunction against Mars
placing their products in cabinets owned, and maintained on
behalf of retailers, by HB Ice Cream.  On June 10, when  an
appeal against this injunction was put before the Irish
Supreme Court, it was decided to refer the matter to the
European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.


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