Ben & Jerry's Founders Explore Buying Back Brand from Unilever

The ice cream giant is set to be spun off in a demerger, but Unilever insists the brand is not for sale.

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry's, are reportedly in early discussions to buy back their brand from Unilever, which they sold in 2000 for $326 million.
The founders are considering partnering with socially conscious investors to fund the potential multibillion-dollar acquisition, though no deal has been finalized or confirmed.
Unilever plans to spin off its entire ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry's, as part of a cost-cutting initiative, with public listings planned in Amsterdam, London, and New York by the end of 2025.
The relationship between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever has been strained over the years, particularly regarding the brand's independent board and its commitment to progressive social justice causes.
Unilever has stated that the ice cream business is not for sale and remains an integral part of its restructuring strategy, which includes global job cuts and performance improvements.