Unilever acquires controlling interest in Colombian business

Varela, founded in 1929 and still based in Cali, Colombia, holds strong market positions in the laundry soap and personal wash categories. Its leading brands include Puro laundry soap bar and Sensus and Juno toilet soaps. Varela and Unilever’s Colombian homecare businesses together account for sales in excess of US$ 100 million.

Unilever believes that combining the local strengths of Varela with its own international brands and expertise, will significantly enhance its position in the Colombian homecare market. It will create a strong base from which to generate growth and innovative products for the benefit of consumers.

Unilever will be responsible for the day to day management of the business. The board of the company will comprise representatives of both Unilever and the Varela family.

This investment demonstrates Unilever’s commitment to enhancing its presence in Latin America, where its sales for the first nine months of 1999 totalled £2.55 billion (3.81 billion Euros/Fl. 8.4 billion) and operating profit, £223 million (333 million Euros/Fl. 734 million).