Global Flavor Powerhouse Emerges
McCormick Acquires Unilever Foods Unit, Plans London Listing for Global Flavor Expansion
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Key Points
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The Consumer business will be split into two geographic divisions—Americas Consumer (about $8 billion in 2025 sales) and International Consumer (about $7 billion in 2025 sales)—as part of the four-division structure, with Andrew Foust leading Americas Consumer and Heiko Schipper leading International Consumer.
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The North American segment will include well-known brands such as Hellmann’s and Cholula, illustrating the mix of retail staples and branding in the Americas Consumer division.
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The new leadership slate includes six functional leaders (across supply chain, legal, human resources, R&D, and digital) drawn from both McCormick and Unilever Foods to accompany the four division heads.
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An International Headquarters will be established in the Netherlands, reflecting Unilever Foods’ footprint and including existing R&D facilities, alongside McCormick’s Global Headquarters in Hunt Valley, Maryland.
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McCormick plans a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange at closing to complement its NYSE listing and to reflect Unilever’s shareholder base, facilitating cross-border capital flows.
McCormick & Company is planning a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange as part of its roughly $45 billion acquisition of Unilever's Foods business, according to Ask Traders. The deal, first announced in March, is expected to close by mid-2027 and would create one of the world's largest flavor and condiment companies.
The London listing is designed to reflect Unilever's existing shareholder base and make it easier for investors on both sides of the Atlantic to buy and sell shares, according to Newham Recorder. McCormick will keep its primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
Four-Division Structure Reshapes a $45 Billion Giant
McCormick unveiled a new four-division operating model to run the combined company, according to Consumer Goods. The four units are Americas Consumer, International Consumer, Global Food Service, and Global Flavor. Each division will have its own leadership and clear sales targets for 2025.
The Consumer side is split into two geographic pieces. The Americas Consumer division is targeting about $8 billion in 2025 sales. The International Consumer division aims for about $7 billion. Andrew Foust will lead the Americas unit. Heiko Schipper will run the International unit, according to Consumer Goods.
Hellmann's and Cholula Join McCormick's Brand Roster
The deal brings a raft of well-known brands under McCormick's roof. The Americas Consumer division will include Hellmann's mayonnaise and Cholula hot sauce, sitting alongside McCormick's existing lineup of French's mustard and Frank's Red Hot sauce, according to Newham Recorder.
The mix shows how McCormick is blending retail staples with strong branded products. The goal is to expand reach in North America while using those brands as a platform for faster innovation across global markets.
London Listing Aims to Ease Cross-Border Capital Flows
The planned London Stock Exchange listing is a direct nod to Unilever's roots and its investor base, according to Hereford Times. Many of Unilever's current shareholders are based in Europe. A London listing makes it simpler for them to hold shares in the new combined company without switching markets.
The move could also boost the London exchange, which has seen several big companies shift listings elsewhere in recent years, according to County Times. McCormick's NYSE listing stays in place as the primary home for its shares.
Hunt Valley Stays Global HQ, Netherlands Gets International Base
McCormick will keep its Global Headquarters in Hunt Valley, Maryland. A new International Headquarters will open in the Netherlands, reflecting Unilever Foods' existing European footprint, according to Consumer Goods. The Netherlands site will also house R&D facilities already in place from Unilever.
Brendan Foley will continue as CEO and board chair. Marcos Gabriel will serve as CFO. Six functional leaders covering supply chain, legal, human resources, R&D, and digital will be drawn from both companies. An Integration Management Office will guide the transition over up to 24 months.
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