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Ben & Jerry'sUnilever Over CEO Removal and Alleged Board Interference

The ice cream maker accuses its parent company of breaching their merger agreement by undermining its independence and social mission.

Ben & Jerry's, a brand of Unilever, is seen on display in a store in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., March 24, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
Pints of Ben Jerry's ice cream for sale in a grocery store.
Unilever faced protests after Ben & Jerry's stopped selling ice cream in the Israel-occupied West Bank.
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Overview

  • Ben & Jerry's has filed an amended lawsuit claiming Unilever removed CEO Dave Stever to stifle the brand's social activism.
  • The lawsuit alleges Unilever has repeatedly threatened Ben & Jerry's personnel to enforce compliance with corporate directives.
  • Ben & Jerry's accuses Unilever of attempting to dismantle its independent board, which was established in the 2000 merger to safeguard its social mission.
  • Unilever has announced plans to spin off its ice cream brands, including Ben & Jerry's, later in 2025 as part of a portfolio restructuring strategy.
  • The dispute follows years of tension, including a 2021 clash over Ben & Jerry's halting sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.