Position as one of the world's most diversified companies in the stable and cash-generative branded-food and home and personal care industries; Leading positions in many markets, with an extensive portfolio of products underpinned by leading brands; and Moderate financial policy. Higher-than-peers exposure to mature price-competitive European markets and low-growth categories; Profitability that remains below that of main peers; and Financial ratios that remain below expectations for the rating category. The ratings on the Unilever group reflect its superior business profile as one of the world's largest and most diversified group of combined companies in the consumer products sector, and its moderate financial policy. These factors are balanced by the group's exposure to the mature and very competitive European market. U.K.-based
