Joining me now is Ben Cohen, the co-founder of Ben n and Jerry's Ice Cream. Cohen is a longtime activist serving right now as the leader of Up in Arms, a movement aiming to bring common sense to the Department of Defense. Ben, good to see you again.Thank you for joining us. You and Jerry are steeped in this, the idea that companies do not have to be at odds with their communities. They are actually builders and supporters of their community.I have to say some of these responses I just read are a bit mealy m ...

Core Viewpoint - Ben & Jerry's is facing increased pressure from its parent company, The Magnum Ice Cream Company, regarding its progressive mission, which has been a longstanding point of contention [1] Group 1: Company Struggles - The brand's former board chair has been accused of misconduct, escalating the ongoing struggle to maintain its progressive values against corporate pressures [1] - This conflict highlights the tension between Ben & Jerry's commitment to social issues and the expectations of its parent company [1] Group 2: Industry Context - The situation reflects broader challenges within the food and beverage industry, where companies often balance corporate interests with social responsibility [1] - The outcome of this struggle may influence how other brands approach their missions and corporate governance in the future [1]

Core Viewpoint - Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen has accused Magnum Ice Cream Company of using manipulative tactics to undermine the brand's social mission, particularly its support for Palestinians during the Gaza conflict, following Unilever's spin-off of its ice cream brands into Magnum [1][3][11]. Company Actions - Unilever, which acquired Ben & Jerry's in 2000, recently spun off its ice cream brands, including Ben & Jerry's, into a new entity called Magnum [1][12]. - Ben & Jerry's CEO Jochanan Senf updated the board's terms, introducing a nine-year term limit that led to the ousting of three directors, which he claims will enhance governance and transparency [2][4]. Co-founders' Response - Cohen criticized the board changes as "Orwellian," arguing that they are detrimental to the brand's social mission rather than supportive [3][14]. - Cohen stated that the management does not recognize the value of Ben & Jerry's, which is rooted in its commitment to societal benefits rather than mere profit maximization [6][10]. Financial Performance - Ben & Jerry's generated approximately $1.3 billion in revenue in 2024, making it the third-largest revenue generator among Unilever's over 100 brands [6]. Future Outlook - Cohen suggested that investors would benefit more if Magnum sold Ben & Jerry's to a group that would honor its social mission, as he believes the current management is not aligned with the brand's values [7][10][14]. - Despite Magnum's claims of commitment to Ben & Jerry's mission, Cohen expressed skepticism about their understanding of the brand's core values [14][15].

Core Viewpoint - Magnum Ice Cream has implemented new rules that will limit the terms of three board members, including the chair [1] Group 1 - The new term limits are part of a governance reform aimed at enhancing accountability and diversity within the board [1] - The decision reflects a broader trend in corporate governance where companies are increasingly adopting term limits for board members [1]

Corporate Governance Changes - Ben & Jerry's has revised its corporate governance rules, leading to the departure of its board chair and two other members, aimed at preserving the brand's social mission and integrity [1][3] - The updated governance rules impose a maximum term of nine years for directors on the independent board [2] Leadership and Board Changes - Anuradha Mittal, Daryn Dodson, and Jennifer Henderson will leave the board and will not be eligible for re-election after their terms expire in 2026 [3] - CEO Jochanan Senf emphasized that these changes will enhance the company's impact and drive progressive change [3] Criticism and Tensions - Co-founder Ben Cohen criticized the governance changes as a "blatant power grab" that undermines the board's authority and independence [3][4] - Cohen highlighted the contributions of the departing board members in maintaining the company's social mission [4] Recent Developments and Legal Issues - The Magnum Ice Cream Company has begun discussions with the Ben & Jerry's Foundation to address governance issues identified in a recent audit [5] - Ben & Jerry's has previously filed lawsuits against Unilever, alleging attempts to suppress its activism and public statements [6] Historical Context - Unilever sold its ice-cream operation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in 2022, following Ben & Jerry's decision to halt sales in the territory, which led to diplomatic tensions [7]

Governance Changes - Ben & Jerry's has removed three members from its independent board as part of new governance practices introduced by Magnum Ice Cream Company [1] - Chair Anuradha Mittal and two long-time directors, Daryn Dodson and Jennifer Henderson, will not qualify for re-election in 2026 due to a new policy limiting board member tenure to nine years [2] - Magnum has also implemented a requirement for compliance with its "code of business integrity" following its recent spinoff from Unilever [2] Power Struggle and Criticism - The governance changes have intensified a long-standing dispute regarding Ben & Jerry's governance, which was established to protect the brand's social mission after its acquisition by Unilever in 2000 [3] - Co-founder Ben Cohen criticized the board changes as a "blatant power grab" and part of Magnum's effort to dismantle the brand's social mission [4] - The board has accused Unilever of hindering its efforts to address international issues, including the Gaza ceasefire and support for Palestinian refugees [4] Company Changes and Challenges - The governance changes come amid significant changes for Ben & Jerry's, including the departure of co-founder Jerry Greenfield in September [5] - Greenfield's exit was influenced by pressure from Unilever to remain silent on personal values, which left him "devastated" [6] - An independent audit of Ben & Jerry's social-mission foundation identified conflicts of interest, and the trustees failed to implement necessary changes [7] Financial Outlook - Magnum's public listing has faced challenges, with the company not expecting to pay dividends until at least 2027 as it focuses on building standalone operations [8] - Despite the initial disappointment regarding dividends, some analysts have initiated Buy ratings, anticipating that Magnum's strong cash flows and global market leadership will eventually be recognized [8] - Since its debut, Magnum Ice Cream stock has increased by 10.39%, closing at $16.47 after a rise of 3.78% [9]

But I do have to ask you about Ben & Jerry's because it's been a bit of a basket case on the leadership front and with this with this whole independent board and its social activism. What are you going to do with all that. >> No, Ben and Jerry's great.We grew the business six time. It's now really profitable. When >> the founder says that if it remains part of your company, it will fail.>> Ben and Jerry are run by a totally capable management team who can run a progressive social mission. Ben wants the busi ...

Ben & Jerry's brand could be destroyed, says co-founder https://t.co/gNinqb5Axk ...

Core Viewpoint - The chair of Ben & Jerry's independent board is resisting pressure from Unilever ahead of the public spinoff of its Magnum ice cream division, which will include the Vermont operations [1] Group 1 - Unilever is exerting pressure on the chair of Ben & Jerry's independent board [1] - The public spinoff of Unilever's Magnum ice cream division is scheduled for Monday [1] - The spinoff will encompass the operations in Vermont [1]

Core Viewpoint - The chair of Ben & Jerry's independent board, Anuradha Mittal, is resisting pressure from Unilever to resign ahead of the public spinoff of Magnum, which is set to inherit ongoing corporate tensions related to Ben & Jerry's political stance [1][2]. Group 1: Corporate Governance and Leadership - Anuradha Mittal has been the chair of Ben & Jerry's independent board since 2018 and a trustee of the Ben & Jerry's Foundation since 2012 [3]. - An internal audit of the Ben & Jerry's Foundation revealed deficiencies in financial controls and governance, leading Unilever to claim that Mittal "no longer meets the criteria" to serve [3][5]. - Mittal asserts that the audit was a "manufactured inquiry" aimed at discrediting her and undermining the board's authority [4]. Group 2: Market Position and Corporate Structure - Magnum is set to list publicly on Euronext and will command approximately one-fifth of the global ice cream market as a standalone unit [2][5]. - The Ben & Jerry's independent board is designed to preserve the brand's social mission, with the foundation receiving millions in contributions based on premium ice cream sales [6]. Group 3: Ongoing Conflicts - The Ben & Jerry's board has previously sued Unilever twice, with accusations of censorship regarding statements on Gaza [7]. - The foundation's board of trustees indicated that the unresolved issue from the audit is Unilever's demand for Mittal's removal as a trustee [7].