The Magnum Ice Cream Company plans split from Unilever, eyes global listing

The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) is set to become a standalone, publicly listed company following its planned demerger from Unilever. The separation, expected to complete by mid-November, will see the ice cream company's shares traded in Amsterdam, London and New York. 

The Magnum Ice Cream Company, which has been operating as a standalone business within Unilever since 1 July 2025, will retain Unilever’s backing. The parent company will hold a stake of less than 20% for up to five years, before gradually divesting to cover separation costs and preserve capital flexibility.

At its first Capital Markets Day (CMD) in London earlier this week, The Magnum parent company outlined its business strategy, medium-term financial ambitions and plans to leverage its global scale. The company is the parent company to iconic brands such as Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, Cornetto and Heartbrand.

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According to its statements, post the demerger, the company aims to pursue growth through market-making innovations, international rollouts of premium brands, and digital-led demand creation. A productivity programme is projected to deliver cumulative savings of €500 million in the medium term, while reinvestment in advertising and capex is expected to fuel sustainable expansion.

Sustainability will also remain a focus, with The Magnum Ice Cream Company anchoring its strategy to a 2050 net zero ambition, responsible sourcing, resilient supply chains, and product safety and innovation. The demerger also positions it as the only pure-play listed ice cream company globally, giving investors direct exposure to a €75 billion segment within the €470 billion global snacking market, it said. 

“Our global portfolio of iconic market-leading brands, world class distribution network and track record of industry-leading innovation, together with our passionate and expert people, position us perfectly to deliver unforgettable moments for the customers who love our products and value for our shareholders," said Peter ter Kulve, CEO and executive director, TMICC, in a statement.

He added, "Together, we will build on our heritage, drive sustainable growth and bring the joy of ice cream to even more people around the world.”

In tandem, Jean-François van Boxmeer, chair designate, TMICC said, "As the clear global leader in a growing category, TMICC has the scale, the expertise and, most importantly, the strategy to drive an already outstanding business towards further success for all stakeholders." 

While TMICC prepares to operate independently, tensions around Unilever’s other ice cream brands, particularly Ben & Jerry’s, highlight the complexities of managing iconic labels under a global parent company.

In March, founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield reportedly explored reclaiming the brand from Unilever, which acquired it in 2000, potentially in partnership with investors aligned with the company’s social values, according to Bloomberg at the time. Unilever, however, stressed to Bloomberg that Ben & Jerry’s is not for sale, noting it remains part of its broader strategy to improve performance and reduce costs. 

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