A merger deal between Unilever and Kraft Heinz was recently discussed, reports have suggested.
According to the FT, the deal would have merged Kraft Heinz’s condiments division with Unilever’s food business, putting Heinz ketchup and Hellmann’s mayonnaise in the same company.
The deal, the talks around which have now ended, would have created a new entity worth tens of billions of dollars, according to those ‘familiar with the talks’.
These talks reportedly took place before the Kraft Heinz demerger was halted earlier this year.
The news comes at the same time as Unilever is reported to be considering offloading its food brands.
Indeed, Unilever has spent recent years pivoting towards beauty and personal care, reducing focus on food. The consumer goods giant has recently completed the demerger of its ice-cream division, and has also offloaded several smaller brands.
Unilever and Kraft Heinz have declined to comment.
