EXHIBIT 99.1
BESTFOODS SHAREHOLDERS FAVOUR UNILEVER DEAL
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Unilever confirmed this afternoon that Bestfoods' shareholders, meeting in
New Jersey, have voted in favour of the acquisition of Bestfoods by
Unilever. Shareholders of Unilever PLC and N.V. gave their approval to the
proposal at separate meetings this morning.
The closing remains subject to certain conditions set out in the merger
agreement. It is anticipated that the transaction will be completed on
Wednesday October 4, 2000.
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October 2, 2000
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995: This press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements are based on management's current expectations and are
naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual
results may vary materially from the expectations contained herein. The
forward-looking statements contained herein include statements about
completion of the pending acquisition of Bestfoods by Unilever. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described
herein include: the inability to obtain necessary antitrust approvals and
actions of the U.S., foreign and local governments. More detailed
information about these factors is set forth in the reports filed by
Bestfoods and furnished by Unilever with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Neither Unilever nor Bestfoods is under any obligation to (and
expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise
In connection with the merger, Bestfoods has filed a definitive proxy
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and mailed copies of
this definitive proxy statement to Bestfoods security holders. SECURITY
HOLDERS OF BESTFOODS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT BECAUSE IT
CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE MERGER. Investors and security
holders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and other documents
filed by Bestfoods with, and furnished by Unilever to, the Securities and
Exchange Commission in connection with the merger at the Securities and
Exchange Commission's web-site at www.sec.gov. Security holders of
Bestfoods may also obtain for free a copy of the proxy statement and other
documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Bestfoods in
connection with the merger by contacting Rainer H. Mimberg, Investor
Relations, +1 201 894 2837. Security holders of Bestfoods may also obtain
for free copies of documents furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission by Unilever in connection with the merger by contacting Howard
Green, Investor Relations, +44 207 822 6824.
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