Core Viewpoint - The Magnum Ice Cream Company has determined that the chair of Ben & Jerry's independent board no longer meets the criteria to serve, following internal investigations, indicating escalating tensions between the two brands as Unilever prepares for the spin-off of the Magnum division [1][2][3]. Group 1: Internal Investigations and Board Changes - Magnum's filing states that after investigations by external advisers, the current chair of Ben & Jerry's is deemed unfit to serve on the board [3]. - The nature of the investigations has not been disclosed, raising questions about the implications for Ben & Jerry's governance [3][5]. - Magnum has communicated its findings to Ben & Jerry's board and is awaiting a response to determine its next steps [5]. Group 2: Background and Context - Ben & Jerry's independent board, chaired by Anuradha Mittal, has been involved in advocacy on controversial topics, which has drawn criticism from Unilever [4]. - The merger agreement from 2000 stipulates that replacing board members requires a majority vote, complicating Magnum's ability to enforce changes [6]. - Tensions between Unilever and Ben & Jerry's have been ongoing since 2021, particularly regarding the brand's stance on political issues, including its decision to stop sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank [7].

Core Viewpoint - Ben & Jerry's is advocating for its own spin-off from Unilever's ice cream unit ahead of a planned listing, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding its social values and stance on political issues [1][3]. Company Developments - The new Magnum Ice Cream Company is presenting growth plans with a target of 3-5% average annual organic sales growth from 2026, which aligns with Unilever's overall outlook but exceeds the historical average for the ice cream sector [2][4]. - Unilever's ice cream unit, which includes brands like Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Wall's, and Cornetto, is projected to capture over 20% of the global ice cream market, valued at approximately $88 billion, with expectations to grow to nearly $106 billion by 2029 [5]. Strategic Moves - The mid-November spin-off will reduce Unilever's stake in the ice cream unit to less than 20%, representing a significant strategic shift for CEO Fernando Fernandez as he aims to streamline operations and enhance profit margins [6]. - Competitors in the industry, such as Kraft Heinz and Nestle, are also exploring structural changes to improve growth and valuations, indicating a broader trend in the consumer goods sector [7].