Brands
Unilever nears $60bn merger of its food arm with spice giant McCormick
A cash-and-stock deal, structured to be tax-efficient, could be announced as early as this week, but the ink is not yet dry
LONDON: The world’s condiment cupboard is about to get a whole lot more consolidated. Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant, is closing in on a deal to carve out a large chunk of its food business and merge it with McCormick & Company, the American spice-maker, creating a combined entity worth roughly $60bn, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
The proposed transaction would be structured as a cash-and-stock deal, with Unilever shareholders expected to retain about two-thirds of the new entity. A cash component of approximately $16bn is set to be included. The vehicle of choice is a Reverse Morris Trust, a structure beloved by corporate lawyers for its ability to shield such transactions from US federal income taxes.
Not everything is on the table, however. Unilever has made clear that its India operations would be excluded from the arrangement, preserving one of its most prized and complex emerging-market businesses from the merger’s reach.
If finalised, the deal would rank among the largest consolidations the global food industry has seen in years, yoking together two of the biggest names in packaged foods and seasonings. The combined group could significantly bolster its clout in international markets, particularly in branded consumer products.
Unilever, though, is playing it carefully. The company reiterated that talks are continuing and that final terms have yet to be agreed, adding that it would provide further updates as negotiations progress.
Watch this space, but do not reach for the mustard just yet.
Brands
Centrum taps into daily fatigue with new Har Din Ko Kar Recharge campaign
New film highlights how a quick nutrient boost can turn everyday tiredness into energy
MUMBAI: In a bid to connect with India’s always-on lifestyle, Centrum has rolled out a new campaign titled ‘Har Din Ko Kar Recharge’, spotlighting the everyday struggle with fatigue and the need for simple, accessible wellness solutions.
The campaign, launched by Haleon, promotes Centrum Recharge, an effervescent energy drink mix designed to replenish essential micronutrients lost during daily activity. Priced at Rs 10 per sachet, the product combines Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Zinc to support energy, hydration, and immunity in a convenient format.
At the heart of the campaign is a light-hearted film that brings a relatable slice of life to the screen. It follows a tired young man who is unexpectedly challenged to a street game by a child. Initially reluctant, he turns to a Centrum Recharge sachet, after which his energy visibly returns, allowing him to join in with enthusiasm. The narrative neatly ties into the brand’s core message that small nutritional boosts can make a big difference in daily vitality.
Speaking on the launch, Haleon ISC head wellness & OTC Deepali Agarwal said the campaign aims to bring attention back to everyday energy and participation. She highlighted that modern routines often leave people feeling drained, and solutions like Centrum Recharge can help bridge nutritional gaps while encouraging a more active lifestyle.
The brand is also positioning the product as part of a larger push to democratise multivitamin consumption in India, especially at a time when micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread. With variants for both kids and adults and availability across retail, pharmacies, and quick commerce platforms, the company is betting on accessibility as a key growth driver.
The campaign will be amplified across digital and television platforms nationwide, supported by on-ground activations, sampling initiatives, and e-commerce visibility. As Centrum leans into the everyday energy conversation, its latest push makes a clear pitch. Staying energised, it suggests, might just be as simple as hitting refresh on your daily routine.
