London, January 29, 2026, 08:32 (GMT) — Regular session
- Unilever shares edged down about 0.5% in early London trading
- Company agreed to sell its Home Care business in Colombia and Ecuador to Alicorp, the Peruvian company
- Investors are shifting focus to Unilever’s mid-February earnings, eager to spot any fresh moves in the company’s portfolio
Unilever’s shares dipped in early London trading Thursday after the company sold its home care business in Colombia and Ecuador to Peruvian rival Alicorp. By 08:32 GMT, the stock was down 0.45% at 4,793.75 pence. 1
Investors want steady, reliable growth from major consumer staples companies—not just price increases and cost cuts. Unilever has talked more about “sharpening” its portfolio, and this deal represents another small step in that direction.
With no price disclosed, the market is left guessing the deal’s value. Attention now shifts to what other assets could be on the block and whether selling them genuinely boosts execution or just slices through the company’s layers.
Unilever revealed the sale covers local household and laundry brands like Fab, 3D, Aromatel, and Deja. The transaction still needs regulatory approval and must meet standard closing conditions. “It aligns with our ambition to sharpen our portfolio and focus on the categories where we can lead, innovate and grow sustainably,” said Reginaldo Ecclissato, President of Unilever Markets. 2
Alicorp called the transaction an asset purchase. According to a filing with Peru’s securities regulator (SMV), its subsidiaries in Colombia and Ecuador have inked agreements to buy 100% of Unilever’s home care business assets in those countries. The deal awaits regulatory approval in both markets. No financial terms or timelines were disclosed. 3
Unilever’s team in Ecuador insisted business will proceed normally. Marcos Dueñas, general manager of Unilever Ecuador, said the decision followed a portfolio review. “Alicorp knows the category well,” he told the local news outlet Primicias. The transition won’t affect operations. 4
An adviser on the transaction shared a similar perspective. Inverlink, acting as Unilever’s financial adviser for the sale, described the move as consistent with Unilever’s strategy to concentrate on its core “power brands.” They also noted the deal is expected to accelerate Alicorp’s expansion throughout the Andean region. 5
Home care, which includes detergents, cleaners, and laundry products, continues to be a fiercely contested sector. Unilever is up against heavyweight rivals such as Procter & Gamble and Reckitt, plus strong local contenders. Smaller, country-specific portfolios may generate profits, but they tend to sap management focus and marketing budgets.
The deal awaits regulatory approval, with authorities able to prolong the review or attach conditions in critical areas. Since terms remain undisclosed, investors are left guessing the proceeds and whether this sale signals a simple exit or part of a larger strategic reshuffle.
Unilever’s Q4 and full-year 2025 results are due Feb. 12, marking the next key date. Investors will watch closely for news on disposals, reinvestment strategies, and the 2026 demand outlook. The company is also lined up to speak at the CAGNY Conference on Feb. 17. 6
