Unilever to Acquire Seventh Generation

Multinational CPG company Unilever has signed an agreement to acquire Seventh Generation Inc., the Burlington, Vt.-based home and personal care products company, whose natural, sustainable products include plant-based detergents and household cleaners.

“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 Englewood Cliffs, N.J.-based Unilever North America, added that the acquisition would “[provide] 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.”

“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,” noted Seventh Generation CEO John Replogle. “Working together [with Unilever] 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.”

Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.