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London/Mumbai, 30th April 2013. Unilever PLC (LSE: ULVR) today announced a voluntary open offer to increase its stake in Hindustan Unilever (HUL), its publicly listed subsidiary in India, from 52.48% to up to 75% at a price of INR 600 per share.

Paul Polman, CEO Unilever, said: “This represents a further step in Unilever’s strategy to invest in emerging markets and offers a liquidity opportunity at what we believe to be an attractive premium for existing shareholders. The long heritage and great brands of Hindustan Unilever, and the significant growth potential of a country with 1.3 billion people makes India a strategic long term priority for the business.”

The offer, which is made pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, is to acquire up to 487,004,772 shares, representing 22.52% of the total outstanding shares of HUL, which would increase Unilever’s stake to up to 75%. Securities regulations in India require a minimum public shareholding of 25% for a company to maintain a public listing in the country.

The offer, payable in cash, represents a premium of approximately 29.5% over the mandatory floor price required under Indian regulations, a premium of 26.0% to HUL’s last one month’s average trading share price and 25.0% to the last one week’s average trading price on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited. The potential total value of the transaction at the offer price (assuming full acceptances) is approximately INR 292.2 billion or €4.1 billion.

Subject to regulatory clearance, the offer period is expected to begin in June 2013. Payment for the shares will take place shortly after close of the offer. HUL’s shares are traded on the BSE Ltd (Scrip Code: 500696) and on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (Symbol: HINDUNILVR).

The details of the offer can be found in the public announcement which will shortly be available at www.sebi.gov.in, www.bseindia.com, and www.nseindia.com and the detailed public statement and letter of offer which will be filed in connection with the offer with the relevant stock exchanges and the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

The Offer is being managed by HSBC Securities and Capital Markets (India) Private Limited.

About Hindustan Unilever

Hindustan Unilever is a market leader in the fast moving consumer goods business in India, with brands spanning categories such as soaps, detergents, shampoos, skin care, toothpastes, deodorants, cosmetics, tea, coffee, packaged foods, ice cream, and water purifiers. Its portfolio includes the following brands: Lux, Lifebuoy, Surf Excel, Rin, Wheel, Fair & Lovely, Pond’s, Vaseline, Lakmé, Dove, Clinic Plus, Sunsilk, Pepsodent, Closeup, Axe, Brooke Bond, Bru, Knorr, Kissan, Kwality Wall’s and Pureit.

Hindustan Unilever generated over INR 270 billion turnover (or €3.8 billion) and net profit of over INR 38 billion (or €0.5 billion) for the financial year ending 31 March 2013.

Accounting Information

Unilever will continue to consolidate 100% of the results and net assets of HUL, but the net profits attributable to non-controlling interests and the share of equity of the non-controlling interests will both be lower after the transaction.

Currencies

The Indian Rupee equivalent quoted in each case for Euro is calculated based on the reference rate of INR 70.903 per € as on the date of this announcement (Source: Reserve Bank of India - http://www.rbi.org.in).

Unilever PLC Enquiries
Investor Relations - +44 20 7822 6830
Media – Lucila Zambrano +44 20 7822 5354 / lucila.zambrano@unilever.com

About Unilever

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries. Our products are present in 7 out of 10 homes globally and are used by over 2 billion people on a daily basis. We work with 173,000 colleagues around the world and generated annual sales of over €50 billion in 2012. Over half of our company’s footprint is in the faster growing developing and emerging markets (55% in 2012). Working to create a better future every day, we help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Our portfolio includes some of the world’s best known brands such as Knorr, Persil / Omo, Dove, Sunsilk, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Rexona / Sure, Wall’s, Lux, Rama, Ponds and Axe, 14 of which now generate a turnover of €1 billion or more.

Our ambition is to double the size of our business, whilst reducing our overall environmental footprint (including sourcing, consumer use and disposal) and increasing our positive social impact. We are committed to helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, sourcing all our agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020, and decoupling our growth from our environmental impact. Supporting our three big goals are more than 50 time-based targets. See more on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan at www.Unilever.com/sustainable-living/.

Unilever has been recognised in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes for 14 consecutive years. We are included in the FTSE4Good Index Series and attained a top environmental score of 5, leading to inclusion in the FTSE4Good Environmental Leaders Europe 40 Index. In 2012 Unilever led the Climate Counts Company Scorecard and the list of Global Corporate Sustainability Leaders in the GlobeScan /SustainAbility latest annual survey (2012) - both for the second year running. The company is an employer of choice in many of the countries in which it operates and is seen as a symbol for innovation and leadership development. For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit www.Unilever.com.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the Unilever States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘will’, ‘aim’, ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘looks’, ‘believes’, ‘vision’, or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance.

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which cause actual results to differ materially are: Unilever’s global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever’s investment choices in its portfolio management; inability to find sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and natural disasters; the debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; and managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2012 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2012. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

25/04/2013: Today (25 April), we released our results for the first quarter 2013. We maintained good growth momentum in the quarter despite challenging economies and the tough competitive environment.

First quarter highlights

• Underlying sales growth 4.9% with emerging markets up 10.4%

• Underlying volume growth 2.2%; pricing up 2.6%

• Turnover increased 0.2% to €12.2 billion including a negative currency impact of (3.5)%

• Disposals reduced turnover by (1.1)% reflecting the disposal of Skippy and the US Frozen Food business

• Quarterly dividend up 10.7% to €0.2690

Growth remained solid in emerging markets despite the continuing macro-economic headwinds, whilst developed markets remained sluggish. In this context we delivered another quarter of good growth led by emerging markets which grew by 10.4% with a good balance between volume and price. Developed markets declined in the quarter against a high prior year comparator.

Commenting on the results, CEO Paul Polman said: “This performance is further evidence that Unilever is becoming fit to win and capable of delivering consistent growth ahead of our markets. Our strategy is working.

“The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan is becoming embedded across the business and increasingly driving our day-to-day decisions and actions, helping to drive increased sales whilst reducing costs and risks. Brands like Lifebuoy, Dove, Domestos, Knorr and Signal that have made sustainability central to their brand proposition continue to perform well.”

Personal Care

Growth in hair care was underpinned by a strong innovation programme and the continued introduction of our brands into new markets. For Dove, the successful Dove Damage Therapy range, the extension of the Dove Men+Care hair range and the launch of Dove hair products in Mexico continued to drive growth. TRESemmé continued to make excellent progress, building on last year’s success in Brazil, and we saw a good early response to the launches in India and Indonesia. Clear continued to make good progress in the highly competitive US market and delivered strong growth in the emerging markets. Toni&Guy is now present in 17 countries and we have successfully launched the Nexxus Youth Renewal range in the United States.

Skin cleansing and care enjoyed good growth driven by innovation across the brands and geographies. Lifebuoy benefited from market development activities to encourage hand washing. Lifebuoy clini-care 10, which offers improved germ protection and skin care, was extended to Indonesia, Ghana and Kenya. Dove performance reflected the continuing success of Dove Nutrium Moisture shower gels and the growth of Dove Men+Care, including the launch of a range of male face products in Europe and North America. Innovations under the Vaseline brand included the Spray & Go moisturizer in North America and a new range of facial washes in South East Asia. In face care, activities include the launch of Pond’s Flawless White BB+ and the extension of Axe to male face care in North America.

Deodorants started the year particularly strongly, powered by the success of the Axe Apollo launch which has been supported by both traditional and digital media in 60 countries and 45 languages. Rexona is making good progress assisted by the ‘Do: More’ campaign which integrates the new Lotus F1 Team variant. Dove remains a key growth driver through the success of Dove Men+Care deodorants and the Dove Maximum Protection range. Despite heightened competition we saw better growth in oral care driven by our strong programme of product innovation. Signal Expert Protection continues to make excellent progress. Close-Up 3 times fresher breath has been rolled out to more than 40 markets and White Now Triple Gold has been launched in China and Europe.

Foods

In Foods we continue to position our business for long term growth by enhancing the nutritional value of our products and seeking to improve food security, whilst at the same time strengthening the portfolio through the accelerated divestment of non-core food brands such as Skippy. Savoury and dressings continued to grow in the first quarter, underpinned by innovations such as Knorr jelly bouillon variants, now in more than 35 markets, and baking bags, now in more than 40 markets. In dressings, Hellmann’s growth was driven by market development activities encouraging new uses of mayonnaise and the launch in Europe of a superior squeeze pack. Hellmann’s celebrates its 100th birthday in the United States this year with activities to strengthen the brand’s ‘real mayonnaise’ credentials.

Spreads declined, driven by lower volumes in a tough promotional environment. Market dynamics are not currently in our favour with consumers switching to alternatives. Despite the success of recent innovations such as Flora Buttery and liquid margarines, which have now been launched in Turkey under the Becel brand, we have more to do to communicate the improved taste and health benefits of our margarines to consumers.

Home Care

Laundry delivered broad-based growth ahead of our markets despite intense competition. This performance reflected our strong innovation programme, including the introduction of improved Brilhante in Brazil, offering superior cleaning and whiteness, the new Surf super-sensorials range and the Philippines launch of Breeze in the ‘Dirt is Good’ position. Fabric conditioners made a good contribution to the growth, helped by the launch of Comfort anti-bacterial in Thailand and the success of the super-sensorial range.

Household care started the year well, growing ahead of the market with strong performances from our dishwash brands in Asia and Europe. The household cleaners brands benefitted from impactful innovations such as the introduction of the Cif easy lift technology for streak-free shine, the launch of Domestos toilet blocks in Turkey and Domestos toilet strips in Central Europe. Both Cif and Domestos were launched in Brazil during the quarter.

Refreshment

Ice cream was up slightly despite a high prior year comparator and the extremely cold weather conditions which prevailed in much of Europe. Magnum, now a €1 billion brand, continued to make good progress supported by the rollout of Magnum Gold?! to the United States, the rollout of the ‘5 kisses’ limited editions and the new pint format in Europe, and the launch of Magnum Pink and Magnum Black in Mexico and Turkey. Cornetto was relaunched in Europe, Mexico and South East Asia and we introduced a new Cornetto mini variant in Europe whilst Fruttare was launched in the United States.

The turnaround in tea which began last year continued with mid-single digit growth in the first quarter. Improved product quality, stronger mixes and improved in-market execution drove this performance. Lipton Yellow Label again drove growth in Russia, benefiting from patented technology to re-incorporate tea essence and deliver improved taste. This innovation was rolled out to Pakistan and the Middle East during the quarter. The Brooke Bond range of brands performed well in India and PG Tips in the UK grew in a strongly promotional market.

Go to the Investor Centre to read the full first quarter 2013 Trading Statement. Download the Unilever Investor Relations iPhone and iPad app for further information. Find out more on Unilever in the About Us and Brands in Action sections of this website.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as 'will', 'aim', 'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends', 'believes', 'vision', or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance.

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

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