Consumer goods giant Unilever has agreed to acquire Weis, an Australian ice cream and frozen dessert manufacturer for an undisclosed price.
The values and products of Weis are expected to help the British-Dutch multinational company in coping up with the growing consumer demand for ice cream manufactured with premium ingredients.
Upon completion of the acquisition, Unilever says that the Australian ice cream brand will join its Grom, Ben & Jerry’s and Talenti brands in what is a high-growth segment.
According to Unilever Australia & New Zealand CEO Clive Stiff, the acquisition of Weis means addition of another Australian favourite to the company’s ice cream line.
Stiff added: “This acquisition will bring Weis the benefits of scale, strong market access and ice cream category expertise to help take the business to the next level in its growth.
“We are committed to providing Weis consumers and customers with the same exceptional products with the same high quality natural ingredients.”
Weis was founded in 1957 with the launch of the original iconic Fruito Bar. The Australian ice cream business manufactures its range of ice creams in various formats like single bar, multi-pack bars, frozen yogurt tubs and dairy-free sorbet tubs.
Following its acquisition, Weis ice cream products will be manufactured as usual at its factory in Toowoomba in Queensland state where it claims to use ingredients that are locally sourced, natural and of high quality.
Weis managing director Julie Weis said: “Our family made this decision because Unilever demonstrated their understanding of our brand, our products and how important our people and the Toowoomba manufacturing site are in ensuring Weis’ success into the future.
“In addition Unilever’s scale will enable greater market access and growth that will provide opportunities for our extended Weis family of staff, suppliers, customers and of course our wonderful consumers.”
Unilever stated that the acquisition will be completed based on meeting of customary closing conditions.
