Unilever to acquire 82% stake in Concern Kalina

Unilever, one of the world's leading consumer goods companies and Concern Kalina, the leading Russian beauty company, today announced that Unilever has agreed to acquire 82% of Concern Kalina. The transaction, which is pending required regulatory approvals, values the equity of the total business at RUB 21.5 billion (€ 500 million).

Concern Kalina is Russia's largest local personal care player with leading positions in skin and hair care and an expected 2011 turnover of around RUB 13 billion (€ 303 million). Concern Kalina is headquartered in Ekaterinburg, where its manufacturing facility is situated. The company has a strong, extensive distribution network and sells its products primarily in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. It employs around 1,900 people.

Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever said: "We are delighted to be acquiring Concern Kalina. This will transform Unilever's personal care business in Russia, giving us leading positions in skin care and hair care, as well as establishing a presence in oral care. It will also strengthen and re-balance Unilever's portfolio and competitive position in Russia, an emerging market with considerable potential and one of our priority countries."