An arcane business structure loses its charm
Dual-nationality arrangements for blue-chip companies such as Unilever are dying out
WHEN British soapmakers merged with Dutch margarine merchants to form Unilever in 1929, the logic was clear. Both firms shared a key ingredient, animal fat, and were starting to step on each other’s toes as they diversified. Unilever is one of the world’s largest consumer-goods firms. A dual-nationality company, it has headquarters in both Britain and the Netherlands and is regarded as a national treasure in both places.
This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Twin troubles”
Business March 10th 2018
- Ericsson and Nokia are now direct rivals. How do they compare?
- CFIUS intervenes in Broadcom’s attempt to buy Qualcomm
- America’s companies have binged on debt; a reckoning looms
- Sweden tries to increase gender equality on the web
- A Chinese oil baron is reportedly detained by the authorities
- An arcane business structure loses its charm
- Pakistan’s Murree Brewery shrugs off restrictions on its products
- Inside Warren Buffett’s deal machine
From the March 10th 2018 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Business
Donald Trump’s America will not become a tech oligarchy
Reasons not to panic about the tech-industrial complex
OpenAI’s latest model will change the economics of software
The more reasoning it does, the more computer power it uses
TikTok’s time is up. Can Donald Trump save it?
The imperilled app hopes for help from an old foe
The UFC, Dana White and the rise of bloodsport entertainment
There is more to the mixed-martial-arts impresario than his friendship with Donald Trump
Will Elon Musk scrap his plan to invest in a gigafactory in Mexico?
Donald Trump’s return to the White House may have changed Tesla’s plans
Germany is going nuts for Dubai chocolate
Will the hype last?