- Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company formed in 1930 through the merger of British soap maker Lever Brothers and Margarine Unie. - It has grown through acquisitions while allowing acquired brands to maintain autonomy, and pursues a strategy of diversification, innovation, and adapting products to local markets. - Currently, Unilever is focusing on streamlining its brand portfolio and acquiring food brands as it works to bring its "Vitality" concept to all brands and overcome tensions between centralized control and brand autonomy.