Ben & Jerry’s founders consider split from Magnum

Ben & Jerry’s co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield are exploring a plan to separate the brand from its owner, The Magnum Ice Cream Company, and place it under an employee stock-ownership plan. The proposal, discussed with KKR executive Pete Stavros, could give employees company stock and provide tax benefits, but would require Magnum’s approval. Magnum says the brand is not for sale and argues that separating it would undermine operational efficiencies, investment in its social mission and potentially raise prices. The discussions come amid longstanding tensions over the brand’s political activism and the independence of its board; Cohen says he will try to build public pressure for a sale.