Unilever closes purchase of personal care company Sundial Brands

Consumer goods firm Unilever has completed an acquisition of New York-based personal care company Sundial Brands for an undisclosed sum after entering an agreement last month.

Unilever North America president Kees Kruythoff said: “The Sundial team has built differentiated and on-trend premium brands serving multicultural and millennial consumers that enhance our existing portfolio.

“Sundial is an important addition to our US portfolio of purpose-driven companies, which includes Ben & Jerry’s and Seventh Generation.”

Sundial’s brands include SheaMoisture, Nubian Heritage, Madam C.J. Walker and nyakio. It was founded by Richelieu Dennis in 1991 and will now continue to function as a standalone division of Unilever.

Richelieu Dennis will continue in his role as CEO and executive chairman.

Unilever has appointed Esi Eggleston Bracey as executive vice-president (EVP) and chief operating officer (COO) of Unilever North America Personal Care. Effective from 1 January 2018, she will work with Richelieu Dennis to support the growth of Sundial Brands.