Ben & Jerry's Board Sues to Block Magnum's Leadership Shake-Up

Women exec moves at Unilever, Rothy's, and more to watch this week

Ben & Jerry's board is challenging the removal of its chair and two directors by its new corporate owner, Magnum Ice Cream Company, claiming the changes are unauthorized under the terms of their 2000 merger agreement. The board filed a legal motion seeking to block the removals and added Magnum as a defendant in its existing lawsuit against Unilever. The dispute highlights tensions over social issues and corporate governance at the politically progressive ice cream brand according to reports.

Diginex Limited is moving forward with the acquisition of The Remedy Project, a Hong Kong-based advisory firm specializing in supply chain labor rights and remediation. This deal, following a prior non-binding agreement, strengthens Diginex's ESG compliance solutions and expands its ability to help companies meet emerging global regulations on corporate sustainability due diligence according to sources.

Meanwhile, Uxin Ltd reported record growth in retail transactions and revenue in Q3 2025, with retail revenue rising 84% year over year. The company also outlined ambitious Q4 revenue expectations and highlighted improvements in gross margin, despite ongoing challenges in maintaining stable vehicle prices and turning a profit according to financial reports.

Why the Standoff Happened

Ben & Jerry's board accused Magnum of violating the terms of a 2000 merger agreement with Unilever by removing Chair Anuradha Mittal and forcing out two other directors. The board argued that Magnum's actions amount to an "end run around the merger agreement" and seek to dismantle the board's oversight of the brand's social mission and product quality according to legal analysis.

Magnum, which was spun off by Unilever earlier this month, has not commented on the matter. However, the board is seeking an expedited ruling from a U.S. court, as deadlines for the remaining directors' terms are approaching. The case has become a focal point in the broader conflict between the ice cream brand and its corporate owners over social and political issues according to observers.

How Markets Reacted

Diginex's acquisition of The Remedy Project has been seen as a strategic move to expand its role in supply chain due diligence and remediation services. The deal positions Diginex to better serve global companies like Coca-Cola and Unilever, who are under increasing pressure to ensure ethical labor practices across their supply chains according to industry reports.

Uxin Ltd's Q3 earnings report showed significant revenue growth but also underscored ongoing challenges, including a net loss and a decline in average selling prices. The company's guidance for Q4 suggests continued expansion in its retail segment, with expectations for total revenue to exceed RMB1.15 billion according to financial analysis.

What Analysts Are Watching

The Ben & Jerry's dispute is being closely watched as a case study in corporate governance and social responsibility. The board's lawsuit claims that Unilever and Magnum are working together to remove leadership that has spoken out on issues like U.S. President Donald Trump's policies and the war in Gaza according to reports.

Diginex's expansion into grievance mechanisms and forced labor remediation could influence how companies approach supply chain transparency. The integration of The Remedy Project's expertise with Diginex's AI-powered tools, including diginexAPPRISE, is expected to enhance due diligence processes and improve worker voice in global supply chains according to industry experts.

The outcome of Uxin Ltd's turnaround strategy will also be key for investors. While the company has reduced its net loss and improved gross margins, questions remain about its ability to sustain profitability and manage competitive pressures in the used car market according to financial analysts.