Unilever has committed to preserving employment terms for workers in its European and British food business for two years, a move designed to smooth the path for its planned merger with US spice giant McCormick.
The agreement, revealed in an internal memo, secures job protections until at least mid-2029 for employees in the division that will be spun off and acquired by McCormick.
The commitment comes as the $65 billion transaction faces intense regulatory review across Europe and the UK.
The commitment comes as the $65 billion transaction faces intense regulatory review across Europe and the UK.
By locking in employment conditions, Unilever seeks to address potential concerns from labor unions and competition authorities regarding job losses and market consolidation.
The merger, which is expected to close in 2027, would create a global condiment and food powerhouse, combining McCormick’s US strength with Unilever’s established European brands such as Knorr and Calvé.
This development follows earlier reports that McCormick intends to pursue a secondary share listing on the London Stock Exchange after the acquisition.