Blackstone and CD&R Eye Bids for Magnum Ice Cream Company
Blackstone, CD&R explore bids for Ben & Jerry's owner Magnum
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Blackstone and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) are considering bids for Magnum Ice Cream Company, which recently spun out from Unilever. Magnum's shares have declined from a peak of €16.5 to around €13, prompting private equity interest as they await summer sales results.
- 01Magnum Ice Cream Company was spun out from Unilever in December 2022, with an initial valuation of €7.8 billion.
- 02Unilever retains a 19.9% stake in Magnum and plans to exit within five years.
- 03Magnum's shares have fluctuated, trading as low as €11, despite a recent jump of nearly 16% following the bidding news.
- 04The company holds about 21% of the $87 billion global ice cream market, outperforming rival Froneri, which has 11%.
- 05Private equity firms are looking for turnaround opportunities amid changing consumer preferences towards healthier options.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Blackstone and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) are reportedly exploring bids for Magnum Ice Cream Company, which was spun out from Unilever less than six months ago. Magnum's shares have seen a decline from a high of €16.5 ($19.19) earlier this year to about €13, following its debut at a valuation of €7.8 billion on December 8, 2022. This valuation fell short of analyst expectations, which had projected up to €10.8 billion. Unilever, which still holds a 19.9% stake in Magnum, plans to divest within five years. Both Blackstone and CD&R are monitoring Magnum's share price and await the company’s upcoming summer sales report, a critical period for its revenue. The interest from private equity firms comes as Magnum's shares recently surged nearly 16% after the news broke. The ice cream market is shifting, with some consumers opting for healthier choices, but Magnum's strong market position—holding 21% of the global ice cream market—presents a potential turnaround opportunity for investors through cost reductions and margin improvements.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
If a buyout occurs, it could lead to operational changes at Magnum, potentially affecting employment and product offerings.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think Magnum Ice Cream Company will benefit from a private equity buyout?
Connecting to poll...
More about Blackstone
Blackstone Secures $1.75 Billion in Landmark Data Centre REIT IPO
The Economic Times • May 15, 2026
Knowledge Realty Trust Declares ₹716.6 Crore Distribution to Unitholders
The Economic Times • May 13, 2026

Sony Music adquire catálogo musical da Recognition, incluindo sucessos de Beyoncé e Leonard Cohen
G1 - O Portal • May 11, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


