(Reuters) -Unilever ( UL ) said on Thursday its ice cream business will be separated by way of demerger, through listing of the business in Amsterdam, London and New York.

"This decision follows a full review by the Board of separation options," the company said.

The owner of the popular Magnum and Wall's brands had announced plans last year to separate the ice cream division to win back investor confidence after years of underperformance.

Unilever ( UL ) reported underlying sales growth of 4% on Thursday, compared with a 4.1% growth forecast by analysts in a company-compiled poll.

Jean-Francois van Boxmeer has been appointed as Chair Designate for the separated ice cream business, it said.