nilever is more likely to gobble up smaller companies across the globe. It is planning to rid self of more of its tired brands or those that do not fit into its healthy-food plans. Last year it old Boursin, a cheese brand, to France's Le Groupe Bel. Having big brands with global clout lps consumer-goods companies to get more space on retailers' shelves. And economies of cale allow them to undercut rivals on price. Although Unilever has tried to steer clear of head- -head competition with P&G. that will not always be possible. But with the balance of the