Henderson fund manager buys Unilever shares after Kraft's exit

London

HENDERSON Group plc's John Bennett, who oversees more than US$12 billion, is betting that a failed bid for Unilever may lead the owner of brands such as Ben & Jerry's ice cream and Dove soap to consider selling some of its assets.

The London-based fund manager started buying shares in Unilever NV the day after Kraft Heinz Co withdrew its US$143 billion offer to acquire the company. Mr Bennett allocated about one per cent of the £267 million (S$471.2 million) Henderson European Focus Trust plc to Unilever, he said.