News Briefs

UNILEVER HOME & PERSONAL CARE-NORTH AMERICA:

announced yesterday that Paulanne Mancuso has resigned as president and CEO of Unilever Cosmetics International (UCI). Until a successor is named, Charles Strauss will be responsible for the operation of the UCI business, which reports to him in his role as business group president.

GENERAL MILLS, INC.: will make a final cash payment of $272.9 million to British beverage conglomerate Diageo Plc, bringing its total payment for frozen dough maker Pillsbury to $9.98 billion. Minneapolis-based General Mills, which makes Wheaties cereal and Progresso soups, will make the payment from cash on hand, the company said yesterday. The amount was based on the purchase agreement for Pillsbury, which General Mills bought in October 2001 to expand in the area of prepared foods.