Is Slimfast A Good Strategic Fit

1.What are the chief elements of Unilever's diversification strategy? Is Unilever pursuing a multicountry or a global strategy. Assess the strategy

2.Did Unilever pay too much to acquire SlimFast? Is there any reason to believe that SlimFast will be a better performer under Unilever than as a stand-alone brand? Is SlimFast a good strategic fit? Why are sales nosediving in 2003? What should be done? Is Slim-Fast a good strategic fit given that there are no other important diet products in Unilever's product/brand portfolio?

3.Did Unilever pay too much to acquire Ben & Jerry's? Is there any reason to believe that Ben & Jerry's will be a better performer under Unilever that as a stand-alone? Is B&J a good strategic fit? Do the two cultures mesh?

4.Did Unilever pay too much to acquire Best Foods? Is there any reason to believe that Best Foods will be a better performer under Unilever that as a stand-alone? Is Best Foods a good strategic fit? What is your assessment of BF's recent performance?

5.Why did it make sense to buy Best Food and then divest it to Campbell's? How did Unilever benefit from this portfolio change?

6.What is your assessment of the caliber of Unilever's portfolio as of early 2003? Did the acquisitions above enhance the portfolio? Why or Why not?

7.Does Unilever's portfolio have adequate strategic fit and resource fit? Why or why not? Why did it make sense to get out of the baking goods business? Don't bakery goods have a good strategic fit with the other products?

8.How does Unilever's product/brand portfolio stack up against those of its competitors?

9.What issues does Unilever management need to be concerned about? What problems do you foresee?

10.What actions or changes in strategy would you