Shrinking to grow

Article Abstract:

Unilever saw a drop in its stock price after the company announced in Sep 1999 that it was to focus on fewer brands. The company has since announced a strategy for brands and growth which has helped the stocks to recover slightly. Branded goods companies face competition from private labels, and the rise of high-tech and internet stocks has hit stock prices in other sectors. Unilever plans restructuring involving both job losses and a move into electronic commerce.

Toiletries, Toilet Preparation Manufacturing, Toilet preparations

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Fashion victim

Article Abstract:

Sara Lee is a consumer-goods company that combines food and underwear, and has used a strategy of selling plants to focus on brand management. Decision making has been decentralized and brands have been developed in new areas. The company has faced problems despite following new trends in management. Some factors have affected all consumer goods firms, such as a focus on technology stocks and drops in prices for consumer goods. The company's diversity could create problems, as can decentralization. The company is seeking acquisitions which could halp sales and profits, but this may not help in creaing long-term value, and a break-up of the company may be a better option.

Lingerie, Underwear and Nightwear Knitting Mills, Women's and Children's Undergarments, Sara Lee Corp., SLE

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Soap-box salesman

Article Abstract:

Unilever head Niall FitzGerald sees himself as a 'practical left-winger', and this pragmatic and deliberate approach has helped him as he tries to improve performance at the sluggish consumer goods giant. FitzGerald is a strong believer in corporate social responsibility.

Soap, Cleaners, and Toilet Goods, Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing, Soaps, Detergents & Toiletries, Food industry, Interview, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Soap and cleaning agents industry, Cleaning agents industry, FitzGerald, Niall

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