News Gist .News

Articles | Politics | Finance | Stocks | Crypto | AI | Technology | Science | Gaming | PC Hardware | Laptops | Smartphones | Archive

Ben & Jerry’s Founders Plot to Buy Back Brand Amid Clash over Israel

The founders of Ben & Jerry's are reportedly exploring buying the brand back from Unilever following years of conflict with the consumer giant over its stance on Israel. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who founded the ice cream maker in Vermont in 1978, have discussed a potential deal that could be worth billions of dollars. The two businessmen sold the brand to Unilever in 2000 in a $326m deal.

See Also

Big Food's Worst Nightmare Unfolds Across U.S. Supermarket Aisles Δ1.74

Shoppers are increasingly buying from smaller food brands, threatening the growth of billion-dollar products from conglomerates such as Unilever and Procter & Gamble due to price and value concerns that have led consumers to shift away from highly-processed packaged food. Smaller brands like Duke's and Mike's Amazing are gaining traction in the U.S. market with lower prices and better value propositions than larger players. The trend is particularly evident in the condiment category, where Hellmann's has seen its market share decline.

Big Food's Growth Slows as Shoppers Flock to Smaller Brands Δ1.72

Shoppers are increasingly turning to smaller food brands, seeking more affordable and less processed options, which is threatening the growth of billion-dollar products from conglomerates such as Unilever. As a result, companies like Unilever and Procter & Gamble (P&G) are facing declining profits due to reduced sales volume. The shift in consumer behavior is driven by growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options.

The Beauty Industry's Founders Take Back Control Δ1.68

Huda Beauty has announced the sale of its fragrance brand KAYALI to co-founder Mona Kattan and private equity firm General Atlantic, allowing the beauty company to buy back a stake previously held by TSG Consumer Partners. Founded in 2018 by Huda Kattan and her sisters, Huda Beauty has gained significant social media traction, positioning itself ahead of competitors in the beauty industry. The restructuring aims to restore full founder ownership and maintain KAYALI's independence under Kattan's leadership.

Nordstrom Beats Holiday-Quarter Sales Estimates; CFO Jumps Ship to Starbucks Δ1.68

Nordstrom has exceeded Wall Street expectations for its quarterly sales growth, driven by strong customer response to its offerings across both banners. The company's decision to go private with a $4-billion deal from the Nordstrom family and Mexican retailer Liverpool marks a significant strategic shift. As CEO Erik Nordstrom emphasized, customers have responded positively to the strength of the offering.

Russian Prosecutorors File Lawsuit Against Us-Owned Caned Food Maker Δ1.68

Russian prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. owner of canned food maker Glavprodukt, which was seized by Moscow in October, accusing him of illegally withdrawing around $15.5 million from Russia over the last two years. The General Prosecutor's lawsuit was filed on March 5 and contained no details beyond naming the defendants as Smirnov, who is a U.S. citizen, Universal Beverages and other companies. Glavprodukt is a subsidiary of Universal Beverages, which is owned by Smirnov.

The Beauty Business Shakes Up: Founders Reclaim Control Δ1.68

Huda Beauty has announced the sale of its fragrance brand KAYALI to co-founder Mona Kattan and private equity firm General Atlantic, allowing the beauty company to buy back a stake previously held by TSG Consumer Partners. Founded in 2018 by Huda Kattan and her sisters, Huda Beauty has gained significant social media traction, positioning itself ahead of competitors in the beauty industry. The restructuring aims to restore full founder ownership and maintain KAYALI's independence under Kattan's leadership.

Wall Street's Top Analyst Calls Downgrade Upgrades Δ1.67

Walgreens downgraded by Deutsche Bank to Sell from Hold with a price target of $9, as reports of a potential take-private deal from Sycamore Partners are seen as overly optimistic and complicated to implement. Cava Group upgraded to Overweight from Neutral by Piper Sandler, citing the company's secular growth in fast casual and its strategic initiatives for 2025. The upgrade suggests that investors should consider the trend towards founder-led companies reclaiming control and potentially setting a precedent for similar brands.

Rise of Founder-Led Beauty Companies: Huda Beauty Sells KAYALI to Co-Founder Δ1.67

Huda Beauty has announced the sale of its fragrance brand KAYALI to co-founder Mona Kattan and private equity firm General Atlantic, allowing the beauty company to buy back a stake previously held by TSG Consumer Partners. Founded in 2018 by Huda Kattan and her sisters, Huda Beauty has gained significant social media traction, positioning itself ahead of competitors in the beauty industry. The restructuring aims to restore full founder ownership and maintain KAYALI's independence under Kattan's leadership.

Stocks of McDonald's and Other Fast Food Giants Rise, but Challenges From Trump Tariffs Loom Δ1.67

Fast food stocks, particularly McDonald's, are experiencing a surge in investor interest despite the looming challenges posed by President Trump's tariffs, which add uncertainty to the industry. While McDonald's shares hit a record high and other major players like Yum Brands have also seen significant gains, the unpredictable nature of tariff policies continues to create anxiety among franchise owners and suppliers. As fast food giants benefit from a focus on value menus amidst rising costs and lower foot traffic, the long-term implications of these tariffs on operational planning remain a critical concern.

The Future of Independent Beauty Brands Looms Large Δ1.67

Huda Beauty has announced the sale of its fragrance brand KAYALI to co-founder Mona Kattan and private equity firm General Atlantic, allowing the beauty company to buy back a stake previously held by TSG Consumer Partners. Founded in 2018 by Huda Kattan and her sisters, Huda Beauty has gained significant social media traction, positioning itself ahead of competitors in the beauty industry. The restructuring aims to restore full founder ownership and maintain KAYALI's independence under Kattan's leadership.

News

Business News Roundup Faces Financial Dilemmas, Regulatory Challenges, and Competitive Pressures Δ1.67

Consumer Reports has released its list of the 10 best new cars to buy in 2025, highlighting vehicles with strong road test scores and safety features. The announcement comes as Eli Lilly & Co. is expanding its distribution of weight-loss drug Zepbound at lower prices, while Target is scaling back its DEI efforts amidst declining store visits. Meanwhile, Costco's luxury goods segment continues to grow, and Apple has secured President Trump's backing for its new investment plan.

Mixue: Bubble Tea Chain Bigger Than Starbucks Sees Shares Jump On Debut Δ1.67

Mixue's shares rose by more than 40% in their Hong Kong Stock Exchange debut. The company raised $444m (£352m) in the financial hub's biggest initial public offering (IPO) of the year. Mixue Ice Cream and Tea may be unfamiliar to many of us but the Chinese firm has more outlets than McDonald's and Starbucks.

Inside the High-Wire Business of MrBeast Δ1.67

MrBeast, the world's largest YouTuber, is transitioning from content creation to building a multibillion-dollar business empire, seeking to raise $200 million to value his holding company, Beast Industries, at over $5 billion. Focusing on consumer packaged goods, MrBeast's brands, including the chocolate line Feastables, are projected to drive future revenue growth despite the company’s current lack of profitability and significant past losses. As MrBeast expands into new product lines and prepares for a potential initial public offering, the dynamics of influencer-led businesses are increasingly coming into focus.

Stuffed Crust Revolution Underway at Domino's Pizza Δ1.67

Domino's Pizza is finally releasing its own version of stuffed crust, aiming to win over the customers who are willing to spend more on the pricey pizza customization. Thirty years ago, Yum Brands’ Pizza Hut debuted the cheesy stuffed crust, marketing the launch with a television commercial starring Donald Trump. The addition is critical for Domino’s, the top U.S. pizza chain, to compete with rivals Pizza Hut and Papa John’s.

Beauty Industry Shakeup as Huda Beauty Sells KAYALI to Co-Founder and General Atlantic Δ1.67

Huda Beauty has announced the sale of its fragrance brand KAYALI to co-founder Mona Kattan and private equity firm General Atlantic, allowing the beauty company to buy back a stake previously held by TSG Consumer Partners. Founded in 2018 by Huda Kattan and her sisters, Huda Beauty has gained significant social media traction, positioning itself ahead of competitors in the beauty industry. The restructuring aims to restore full founder ownership and maintain KAYALI's independence under Kattan's leadership.

Blackstone Out of Race for India's Haldiram's over Valuation Concerns Δ1.67

Haldiram's snacks business is estimated to hold a near 13% share of India's $6.2 billion savoury snacks market, with valuation being a key sticking point in the deal talks between Haldiram's and Blackstone. The private equity investor had initially wanted around a 15% stake at a valuation of roughly $8 billion, but negotiations ultimately failed to bridge the gap. Rival bidder Temasek remains in the race to acquire a minority stake in the business.

Artisan Partners Opposes Japan Retailer Seven & I's CEO Choice Δ1.67

Artisan Partners has publicly opposed the appointment of Stephen Dacus as CEO of Seven & i Holdings, arguing that the company should reconsider a $47 billion takeover offer from Alimentation Couche-Tard to enhance shareholder value. The investor plans to vote against Dacus and other members of the nomination committee at the upcoming annual general meeting, highlighting concerns over the company's declining share price relative to Couche-Tard's offer. This situation raises questions about the strategic direction of Seven & i and the potential implications of rejecting outside investment.

The Rise of Founder-Led Beauty Companies in the Age of Private Equity Δ1.67

Huda Beauty has announced the sale of its fragrance brand KAYALI to co-founder Mona Kattan and private equity firm General Atlantic, allowing the beauty company to buy back a stake previously held by TSG Consumer Partners. Founded in 2018 by Huda Kattan and her sisters, Huda Beauty has gained significant social media traction, positioning itself ahead of competitors in the beauty industry. The restructuring aims to restore full founder ownership and maintain KAYALI's independence under Kattan's leadership.

Seven & I's Future at Stake as Artisan Partners Opposes CEO Succession Plan Δ1.67

Artisan Partners, a U.S.-based investor in Seven & i Holdings, has opposed the Japanese retailer's CEO succession plan and urged the company to reconsider a takeover offer. The activist investor, which is among Seven & i's foreign investors, has expressed its concerns over the company's focus on its core convenience store business. Artisan Partners will vote against Dacus at the company's upcoming annual general meeting, citing his inability to secure financing for a $58 billion management buyout last month.

Rising Beauty Industry Trend: Founder-Led Companies Reclaim Control Δ1.66

Huda Beauty has announced the sale of its fragrance brand KAYALI to co-founder Mona Kattan and private equity firm General Atlantic, allowing the beauty company to buy back a stake previously held by TSG Consumer Partners. Founded in 2018 by Huda Kattan and her sisters, Huda Beauty has gained significant social media traction, positioning itself ahead of competitors in the beauty industry. The restructuring aims to restore full founder ownership and maintain KAYALI's independence under Kattan's leadership.

TSMC to Spend $100B to Expand Chip Manufacturing in US, Trump Announces. Δ1.66

TSMC, the world's biggest semiconductor manufacturer, plans to invest $100 billion in the United States, President Donald Trump said Monday, on top of $65 billion in investments the company had previously announced. The investment will be for three more chip manufacturing plants, along with two packaging facilities, in Arizona. This move aims to restore American dominance in the global semiconductor market and create thousands of high-paying jobs.

TikTok Bid Adds Strategic Depth with Alexis Ohanian's Involvement Δ1.66

Reddit co-founder and investor Alexis Ohanian has joined billionaire Frank McCourt's bid to acquire TikTok, bringing strategic advisory expertise in social media. The move comes as part of a consortium called The People's Bid, which aims to purchase the U.S. assets of TikTok. This acquisition would allow users to control how their data is used and stored.

The Beauty Industry Reclaims Control Δ1.66

Huda Beauty has announced the sale of its fragrance brand KAYALI to co-founder Mona Kattan and private equity firm General Atlantic, allowing the beauty company to buy back a stake previously held by TSG Consumer Partners. Founded in 2018 by Huda Kattan and her sisters, Huda Beauty has gained significant social media traction, positioning itself ahead of competitors in the beauty industry. The restructuring aims to restore full founder ownership and maintain KAYALI's independence under Kattan's leadership.

When Corporations Betray Consumers' Trust: The Economic Blackout That's Sparking Change Δ1.66

A retail boycott is hitting major US businesses Friday as an online campaign calls for Americans to spend nothing at places such as Walmart, Target, Amazon and McDonald’s. The motivation for the so-called "economic blackout" are varied, according to John Schwarz, founder of the grassroots organization The People’s Union, with Schwarz advocating for price reductions and tax avoidance by major corporations, while also condemning companies that have backed away from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. This movement reflects growing concerns about corporate accountability and the power of consumer activism in driving change.

Shareholder Pushes Seven & I to Engage With Couche-Tard Δ1.66

A shareholder in Japan’s Seven & i Holdings Co. is urging the company to more thoroughly engage with Alimentation Couche-Tard regarding its $47.5 billion acquisition proposal. Artisan Partners Asset Management has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the board, particularly relating to the role of CEO Stephen Dacus in handling the bid. This pressure comes as Seven & i undertakes significant restructuring efforts aimed at unlocking shareholder value while resisting Couche-Tard's offer.