Profits of Ben & Jerry's homemade Inc has been declined, but in 1995 the Company

was offered an opportunity to sell it's premium ice cream in the lucrative japanese
market, but their product had failed to develop a reputation.
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield launched the inaugural Ben & Jerry's ice cream
store in 1978, using a modest $12,000 capital and a dedication to align their
business practices with their core values. Despite the higher cost, the company
exclusively sources milk and cream from small local farms in Vermont. Furthermore,
7.5 percent of the company's pre-tax earnings goes to charitable donations, and
every one of its 750 employees enjoys three complimentary pints of ice cream daily.
Many argue that Ben & Jerry’s philosophy and commitment to social causes
compromises its ability to make money.
Alex Taylor III commented that, “Operating a business is tough enough. Once you
add social goals to the demands of serving customers, making a profit, and
returning value to shareholders, you tie yourself up in knots.”
Ben & Jerry's financial performance has increased and decline. The company's
shares grew rapidly in the 1990s and problems emerged in 1993
The company lost money for the first time in 1994, and as a result, Ben Cohen
stepped down as CEO. The company’s stock price rebounded in 1995, as the
market responded positively to the steps made by Holland to right the company. The
stock price, however, floundered toward the end of 1996, following Holland’s
resignation.
In recent years, Ben & Jerry's experienced a revitalization under the leadership of
Perry Odak, who succeeded Holland. Odak implemented various measures to
enhance the company's financial performance, resulting in improved standing with
Wall Street analysts and institutional investors. He promptly assembled a new
management team to overhaul production and sales operations, while also
expanding the brand with new stores and franchises in both domestic and
international markets
In April 2000, Ben & Jerry's agreed to be acquired by Unilever, a large Anglo-Dutch
conglomerate, for $43.60 per share, which was a 66 percent increase from the price
before the acquisition rumors in December 1999, with a total acquisition value of
$326 million
The deal clearly benefits Ben & Jerry's
shareholders, some observers believe that the company
"sold out" and abandoned its original mission.
Ben & Jerry's will keep it
Headquarters in Vermont and its separate board, and
the social mission will remain intact.