Unilever/Bestfoods merger H-S-R review period expires

The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act refers to the time, after the parties to a merger have filed notification forms, during which they are not allowed to complete the proposed transaction. Now that the H-S-R waiting period has expired, the transaction can be consummated under US anti-trust legislation.

This is an important step in the approval process of the Unilever/Bestfoods merger. The Bestfoods merger agreement remains subject to certain other conditions, including regulatory approval from the EU Commission. Negotiations are continuing with the EU Commission in accordance with the anticipated timetable. A decision is expected by the end of September.

The merger is also subject to the approval of the proposed transaction by the shareholders of Bestfoods, Unilever N.V. and Unilever PLC. The Bestfoods and Unilever shareholders meetings are scheduled for 2 October 2000.

On 6 June, Unilever agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Bestfoods for US$ 73 per share in cash.

Enclosure: Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Enclosure

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from the expectations contained herein. The forward-looking statements contained herein include statements about completion of the pending acquisition of Bestfoods by Unilever. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein include: the inability to obtain necessary antitrust approvals and actions of the U.S., foreign and local governments. More detailed information about these factors is set forth in the reports filed by Bestfoods and furnished by Unilever with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither Unilever nor Bestfoods is under any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In connection with the merger, Bestfoods has filed a definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and mailed copies of this definitive proxy statement to Bestfoods security holders. Security holders of Bestfoods are urged to read the proxy statement because it contains important information regarding the merger. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and other documents filed by Bestfoods with, and furnished by Unilever to, the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the merger at the Securities and Exchange Commission's web-site )www.sec.gov.

Security holders of Bestfoods may also obtain for free a copy of the proxy statement and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Bestfoods in connection with the merger by contacting Rainer H. Mimberg, Investor Relations, +1 201 894 2837. Security holders of Bestfoods may also obtain for free copies of documents furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by Unilever in connection with the merger by contacting Howard Green, Investor Relations, +44 207 822 6824.