Blackstone, CD&R Eye Magnum Ice Cream Company Bid as Shares Rally 12%
MICC•Blackstone and CD&R are exploring bids for The Magnum Ice Cream Company, in which Unilever retains a 19.9% stake. TMICC’s shares jumped almost 12% to 1,260 pence after Q1 organic sales grew 4.5% to €1.77bn, with a 21% global market share.
1. Private Equity Eyes Acquisition
Blackstone and CD&R have entered early discussions to explore bids for The Magnum Ice Cream Company, evaluating share performance and summer ice cream sales as key considerations. Talks are in initial stages with both firms monitoring stock movements closely.
2. Share Performance and Q1 Results
TMICC’s shares surged almost 12% to 1,260 pence following the reports, after first-quarter organic sales grew 4.5% to €1.77bn and volumes rose 2.9% under CEO Peter ter Kulve, reflecting strong operational execution.
3. Ownership Structure and Market Share
Unilever retains a 19.9% stake in TMICC post spin-off and plans to wind it down over five years. TMICC commands a 21% global market share as the world’s largest standalone ice-cream manufacturer, with brands such as Wall’s, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry’s.
