Margarine Unie facts for kids

Margarine Union Limited was a big Dutch company. It was formed in 1927 in a town called Oss, in the Netherlands. This company was created when four other margarine companies joined together. These companies were Antoon Jurgens United, Van den Bergh's, Centra, and Schicht's. Margarine Union became the main maker of margarine in the United Kingdom.

History of Margarine Union

Early Margarine Makers

The story of Margarine Union began with a company called Antoon Jurgens United. This company was started in 1867 by Antoon Jurgens. They began making margarine after buying the special rights to an invention in 1871. This invention was by a person named Hippolyte Mège-Mouriès.

Another important company was Van den Bergh's. It was started by Samuel van den Bergh. Like Antoon Jurgens United, this company was also based in the town of Oss, in the Netherlands.

In 1908, Antoon Jurgens United and Van den Bergh's decided to work together. They made an agreement to share their profits. This helped both companies grow stronger.

There was also a company called Schicht's. It was founded by Georg Schicht. His son, Johann Schicht, was a successful businessman. He owned a very large factory that made soap.

Forming Margarine Union

In 1927, these four companies – Antoon Jurgens United, Van den Bergh's, Centra, and Schicht's – decided to merge. They joined together to form a new, much larger company. This new company was called Naamloze Vennootschap Margarine Unie. In English, this means Margarine Union Limited.

The new company was officially formed in the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. This merger helped them combine their businesses. They brought together all the parts of Van den Bergh's in England and the parts of Van den Bergh's and Antoon Jurgens United in the Netherlands.

Becoming Unilever

Margarine Union continued to operate for a few years. Then, in 1930, it merged with a large British company called Lever Brothers. Lever Brothers was famous for making soap and other household products.

When Margarine Union and Lever Brothers joined forces, they created a huge new company. This company is known today as Unilever. Unilever became one of the biggest food and consumer goods companies in the world.

Many years later, in 2017, Unilever decided to sell off its margarine business. This part of the business became a new company called Upfield. Interestingly, Upfield returned to Rotterdam, the city where Margarine Union was formed.

See also

In Spanish: Margarine Unie para niños