By Mackenzie Tatananni
Shares of Magnum Ice Cream rallied on a report that private-equity firms were weighing bids for the Ben & Jerry's owner, energizing a stock that has struggled to gain momentum since its spinoff from Unilever.
Blackstone and CD&R are among the private-equity firms in the early stages of exploring bids for the company, Reuters reported, citing two unnamed sources. The report added that the firms are monitoring the share price before deciding whether to make a move.
The resulting speculation lifted shares 11% to $16.66 on Friday, putting them on pace for their highest close since February, according to Dow Jones Market Data.
CD&R declined to comment, while Blackstone didn't immediately respond to a request from Barron's. A Magnum spokesperson said the company doesn't comment on "rumors of speculation in the marketplace."
The owner of Ben & Jerry's and the namesake Magnum brand split from British consumer-goods giant Unilever in December 2025. Shares debuted on the New York Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam, and London Stock Exchange early that month.
To date, Unilever retains a nearly 20% stake in Magnum. The company plans to exit within five years, saying it will pare back its minority stake over time "to support separation costs and capital flexibility."
Magnum's first earnings report as a stand-alone company sent shares diving in February as investors reacted to a drop in organic sales. However, sentiment shifted in April; the stock rallied as the latest results beat analyst expectations.
Shares have lagged behind the broader market this year, rising nearly 3.5% in 2026 including Friday's gains. The benchmark S&P 500 has climbed 8.6% over the same period.
Write to Mackenzie Tatananni at mackenzie.tatananni@barrons.com
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May 15, 2026 13:12 ET (17:12 GMT)
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