Levying a tax on Unilever as it unifies its British-Dutch structure by shifting to a single London headquarters would be 'irresponsible', the Dutch government's legal advice body said on Friday.
Unilever has said an 'Exit Tax' bill introduced by an opposition lawmaker did not appear legal and, if passed by the Dutch parliament with retroactive force, would cost the company €11 billion ($13 billion), enough to derail unification.
The Netherlands' Council of State said in advice published on Friday that 'the deep changes to the dividend taxation system that the lawmaker proposes' were not in line with the rule of law and would be 'irresponsible' if imposed.
Earlier in September, Unilever NV shareholders approved plans to end the Anglo-Dutch company's dual-headed corporate structure and form a London-based entity.
News by Reuters edited by Checkout. Edited by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
