Which shaving-products company did Unilever acquire in 2016 for approximately $1 billion?

Unilever acquired Dollar Shave Club in 2016 for approximately $1 billion. Unilever announced the agreement in July 2016, and the transaction was completed later that year.

Dollar Shave Club was founded in 2011 by Mark Levine and Michael Dubin. It became known for selling razors and grooming products directly to consumers through subscription plans, challenging the traditional supermarket and drugstore distribution model.

The company’s humorous advertising and simple recurring-delivery model helped it build a recognizable brand. Its approach also contributed to wider attention on direct-to-consumer commerce, subscription retail, and the competition surrounding shaving products.

Dollar Shave Club continued operating under its own name after joining Unilever. The purchase was not Unilever’s acquisition of Gillette; Gillette remained a Procter & Gamble brand. It was also separate from Unilever’s later portfolio changes in beauty and personal care.