Publications
Publications
- May 2017
- HBS Case Collection
Battle for the Soul of Capitalism: Unilever and the Kraft Heinz Takeover Bid (B)
By: William W. George and Amram Migdal
Abstract
This (B) case describes the aftermath of Unilever’s February 2017 rejection of Kraft Heinz Company’s (KHC)/3G Capital’s (3G) unsolicited $143 billion takeover offer. In an effort to defend itself against future attempts by KHC/3G or other suitors, Unilever announced on April 4, 2017, a program of enhancing its long-term shareholder value with a series of aggressive restructuring moves. The program included targeted improvements to its operating margin, a significant stock repurchase, aggressive new savings targets, and other measures. The case allows for discussion of the takeover offer’s role in catalyzing Unilever’s announcement and the divergent approach to value creation embraced by Unilever and KHC/3G.
Keywords
Citation
George, William W., and Amram Migdal. "Battle for the Soul of Capitalism: Unilever and the Kraft Heinz Takeover Bid (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 317-128, May 2017.