Johnson Winter & Slattery has acted for longstanding relationship client Unilever on its acquisition of Weis Frozen Foods, a premium Australian ice cream and frozen dessert business, for an undisclosed amount.
The deal will bring a premium ice cream business to Unilever to complement its existing portfolio of ice cream brands and products.
Lead partner Andrew Williams said: "We were delighted to assist Unilever with another of its strategic brand acquisitions in Australia. We value our ongoing relationship with Unilever and enjoy working with its legal and commercial teams across a range of practice areas. This acquisition will allow the Weis brand to enjoy the benefits of Unilever’s scale, a broader distribution network and access to new markets."
Lawyers from the JWS corporate, competition, tax, property, employment and IP teams assisted with the transaction.
EY was financial adviser to Unilever.
Unilever is one of the world's largest fast-moving consumer goods companies, with leading products ranging from food and beverages to home and personal care. Unilever is also the world’s largest ice cream manufacturer, with brands such as Magnum (selling around one billion ice creams per year worldwide), Ben & Jerry’s, Paddle Pop and Cornetto.
Weis ice creams are and will continue to be made in its factory in Toowoomba, Queensland, using locally sourced, natural and high-quality ingredients.
Johnson Winter & Slattery is a commercial law firm representing Australian and international clients on their most strategic, complex and demanding transactions and disputes throughout Australia and surrounding regions.
Our service delivery model distinguishes us from other major law firms. We maintain a much higher ratio of senior to junior lawyers and focus on assignments that are well suited to this low leverage structure. Our focus on ensuring the hands-on involvement of partners on each assignment is favoured by clients seeking the superior and more efficient outcomes achieved through senior lawyer engagement.