Sara Lee Corp. Announces European Commission's Approval of Body Care Sale to Unilever

Transaction Slated to Close in December

DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, November 17, 2010 - Sara Lee Corp. (NYSE: SLE) today announced that the European Commission
has approved the sale of Sara Lee's global Body Care and European detergents
businesses to Unilever.

As part of the ruling, Unilever is required to divest the Sanex brand in
the European market after it acquires the business from Sara Lee. In light of
this requirement, the parties will make certain amendments to the Share
Purchase Agreement including an adjustment in the purchase price from Euro
1.275 billion to Euro 1.210 billion. The deal is anticipated to close in
December 2010.

"We're very pleased that this transaction has been approved and is
nearing a close," said Marcel Smits, interim chief executive officer, Sara
Lee Corp. "The change in proceeds will have no effect on our capital plans,
as we continue with our plans to repurchase $2.5 to $3.0 billion of shares by
the end of fiscal 2012."

The transaction was originally announced on Sept. 25, 2009. The global
Body Care and European detergents businesses encompass a wide variety of
popular brands, including Sanex, Radox and Duschdas.

This transaction is a part of Sara Lee's ongoing process of divesting its
International Household and Body Care business. To date, the company has
announced and closed transactions for its air care business (sold to Procter
& Gamble for EUR320 million) and its stake in the Indian insecticides joint
venture Godrej Sara Lee (sold to Godrej for EUR185 million). In addition,
Sara Lee announced the pending sale of its non-Indian insecticides business
to SC Johnson for EUR153.5 million. That deal is anticipated to close by the
end of calendar 2010.

Sara Lee has also received significant interest in the remainder of its
household business and is continuing to pursue divestiture options for this
business, which includes shoe care and Asian cleaning brands.

About Sara Lee

Each and every day, Sara Lee (NYSE: SLE) delights millions of consumers
and customers around the world. The company has one of the world's best-loved
and leading portfolios with its innovative and trusted food and beverage
brands, including Ball Park, Douwe Egberts, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean, Sara
Lee and Senseo. Collectively, our brands generate nearly $11 billion in
annual net sales. Sara Lee has approximately 33,000 employees in its
continuing operations worldwide. Please visit www.saralee.com for the
latest news and in-depth information about Sara Lee and its brands.

Media: Jon Harris, +1-630-598-8661; Analysts: Aaron Hoffman, +1-630-598-8739