Unilever to Work Closely With The Microsoft Network, Making Major Commitment to Online Advertising

REDMOND, Wash., July 1, 1998 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Unilever PLC, one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world, has selected The Microsoft Network of Online Services as a primary vehicle for its online advertising and marketing. This marks one of the biggest long-term investments made by a major consumer goods advertiser on the Web.

“This is an exciting and important event for online advertising and the Internet in general,”
said Peter Neupert, vice president of news and publishing for Microsoft.
“A commitment from a company the size of Unilever will result in more engaging and compelling ads for consumers, innovative approaches to driving purchases and brand loyalty, and an overall expansion in the types of companies that advertise on the Internet.”

The agreement provides for multiyear cooperation between the two companies to accelerate use of the Internet for advertising mainstream consumer goods. Unilever will advertise on Microsoft Web sites, and both companies will work together to investigate and develop new approaches to advertising online.

“We need to develop the means to effectively communicate with our consumers who are online in ever increasing numbers,”
said Richard Goldstein, president and chief executive officer of Unilever United States.
“The Microsoft Network of Online Services offers broad reach and category-leading sites with an innovative approach to Internet advertising technology.”

Implementation of the agreement between the two companies is scheduled to begin later this year. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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