On the heels of rumors that Unilever would purchase Honest Beauty, the multinational giant has announced that it is acquiring natural cleaning and personal care product manufacturer Seventh Generation, which posted 2015 turnover of more than $200 million. Terms were not disclosed.
The acquisition, like the potential Honest deal, boosts Unilever's foothold in the natural space, especially within the mass merchandise, grocery and e-commerce channels. Unilever previously plugged its gap in men's groomiing with the purchase of Dollar Shave Club.
"Seventh Generation has long been a disruptor in the U.S. marketplace, leading the industry in sustainable innovation while attracting new generations of conscious consumers," said Nitin Paranjpe, president of Unilever’s home care business. "This addition to Unilever’s product portfolio will help us meet rising demand for high-quality products with a purpose.”
Kees Kruythoff, president of Unilever North America, said, “We’re thrilled to add Seventh Generation to our brand portfolio, providing us with the opportunity to accelerate growth with our retail partners and connect in new ways with consumers. Adding Seventh Generation to Unilever’s portfolio of purpose-driven brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Dove demonstrates our continued commitment to the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.”
Seventh Generation CEO John Replogle said, “For 28 years, Seventh Generation has been creating products that are not only effective but also designed with environmental and human health in mind while demonstrating that business can have a greater purpose, serving not just profit but people and the planet as well. Today marks the next chapter and we’re proud to join Unilever and its shared vision for purpose-led business on a global scale. Working together we are confident we can have a positive impact on the health of billions of people around the world, truly fulfilling our mission of nurturing the next seven generations while transforming global commerce.”
