03:50 AM EDT, 03/20/2026 (MT Newswires) -- McCormick ( MKC ) is engaged in discussions for a potential acquisition of Unilever's ( UL ) food business, the companies said Friday.

McCormick ( MKC ) said the discussions are ongoing and there is no certainty that a deal will be reached.

"McCormick ( MKC ) regularly evaluates its portfolio and strategic options in pursuit of maximizing shareholder value," the company said.

Meanwhile, Unilever ( UL ) said in a regulatory filing that it has received an "inbound offer" for its food business and is in discussions with McCormick ( MKC ).

"The board believes Foods is a highly attractive business, with a strong financial profile led by market-leading brands in growing categories," the company said.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Unilever ( UL ) is in talks to separate its food business and sell it to spice maker McCormick ( MKC ) in an all-stock deal.

The Journal said Unilever's ( UL ) food business could be worth "tens of billions of dollars."

McCormick ( MKC ) and Unilever ( UL ) did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for additional comment.