Unilever Expands Portfolio With Grüns and Dr. Squatch Acquisitions

WHO:

Fast Company - Herrish Patel is the president of Unilever USA and CEO of Unilever Personal Care North America.

Inc - Unilever is a British consumer goods giant.

WHAT:

Fast Company - Unilever acquired Grüns, a gummy supplement company, for a reported $1.2 billion.

Fast Company - Unilever purchased Dr. Squatch, a men’s grooming brand, for a reported $1.5 billion.

Fast Company - Unilever plans to combine its remaining food portfolio, including Hellmann’s and Knorr, with spice maker McCormick in a transaction reflecting an enterprise value of $44.8 billion.

Fast Company - Unilever's U.S. business will become a focused $9.4 billion operation.

Fast Company - Unilever announced plans to build a $270 million global innovation center in New Haven, Connecticut.

WHERE:

Fast Company - Unilever's U.S. headquarters are located in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Fast Company - The new global innovation center will be located in New Haven, Connecticut.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The deal with McCormick is expected to close next year.

Fast Company - The global innovation center is set to open in 2029.

WHY:

Fast Company - Unilever is seeking to grow through innovation, creative packaging, and premiumization.

Fast Company - Unilever looks for digital brands in fast-growing spaces for acquisition to leverage its scale.

HOW:

Fast Company - Unilever is complementing research and development and organic growth efforts with acquisitions.

Fast Company - Unilever has taken learnings from Dr. Squatch and applied them to other parts of its portfolio, such as fragrances.

(UPDATED October 5, 2026 13:12 UTC)

Unilever has made significant moves in the market, acquiring Grüns, a gummy supplement company, for $1.2 billion and Dr. Squatch, a men’s grooming brand, for $1.5 billion. The company is also planning to combine its food portfolio, including Hellmann’s and Knorr, with spice maker McCormick in a deal expected to close next year, reflecting an enterprise value of $44.8 billion. Additionally, Unilever is set to build a $270 million global innovation center in New Haven, Connecticut, which is scheduled to open in 2029, as part of its strategy to grow through innovation and acquisitions.