HLL board nod for name change to Hindustan Unilever

Mumbai, February 20, 2007: The company today announced that the Board of Directors of the company have approved, subject to shareholders approval, the change of the company name from Hindustan Lever Limited to Hindustan Unilever Limited.

The proposal for the name change will be taken up at the next Annual General Meeting of the shareholders for their approval.

The Company believes that the proposed name change provides the optimum balance between maintaining the heritage of the Company and the future benefits and synergies of global alignment with the corporate name of Unilever. Most importantly the proposed name retains "Hindustan" as the first word in its name to reflect the Company's continued commitment to local economy, consumers and customers and employees.

Mr Harish Manwani, Chairman, Hindustan Lever Limited and President, Unilever Asia Amet, said, "The name change is a significant milestone. It retains the company's continued commitment towards its local roots while leveraging the global scale and reputation of Unilever with its consumers and other stakeholders in India."

Going forward, the alignment of the corporate name will be a source of considerable strength and synergies to harness Unilever's global scale and size for the benefit of the Indian business both in domestic and export markets. It would also assist in attracting and retaining talent both locally and internationally "� a key imperative for business success in the present day context.

The Company has adopted and subscribed to a vision Statement: "To earn the Love and Respect of India by making a Real Difference to every Indian". The Company remains committed to pursue this vision as it believes that this will not only be key to its business success, but would also make business sustainable and enduring.

About HLL: HLL is India's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods Company, touching the lives of two out of three Indians. HLL's mission is to "add vitality to life" through its presence in over 20 distinct categories in Home & Personal Care Products and Foods & Beverages. The company meets everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene, and personal care, with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life.