Sara Lee Corporation Evaluating Strategic Alternatives for Its International Household and Body Care Business

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill.--(Business Wire)--
Sara Lee Corporation (NYSE:SLE) today announced that it is reviewing strategic
options for its International Household & Body Care business after receiving
expressions of interest. The Company is currently considering all alternatives
for the segment, including the option to divest the business.

"Our Household and Body Care business has very strong brands, great distribution
and a talented leadership team," said Brenda C. Barnes, chairman and chief
executive officer, Sara Lee Corporation. "In keeping with our commitment to
value creation, we will carefully evaluate all opportunities and do what is in
the best interest of the company and its stakeholders."

Headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands, the International Household and Body Care
segment is a leading manufacturer, distributor and marketer of household and
personal care products sold in more than 150 countries in Europe, Asia Pacific,
Africa and North America. This segment is a $2.3 billion business and employs
approximately 8,000 people worldwide. Its brands and categories include:

* Household: Air care, shoe care, insecticides and laundry care including the
Ambi Pur, Kiwi, Pyrel, Vapona, Biotex and Neutral brands
* Body Care: Bath & shower, deodorants, baby care, men`s toiletries and oral
care including the Sanex, Duschdas, Radox, Zwitsal, Brylcreem, Prodent and
Zendium brands

About Sara Lee Corporation

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, beverage, household and
body care brands, including Ambi Pur, Ball Park, Douwe Egberts, Hillshire Farm,
Jimmy Dean, Kiwi, Sanex, Sara Lee and Senseo. Collectively, these brands
generate more than $13 billion in annual net sales covering approximately 200
countries. The Sara Lee community consists of 44,000 employees worldwide. Please
visit www.saralee.com for the latest news and in-depth information about Sara
Lee and its brands.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding Sara Lee`s business
prospects and future potential acquisition or disposition activities. In
addition, from time to time, in oral statements and written reports, the
corporation discusses its expectations regarding the corporation`s future
performance by making forward-looking statements preceded by terms such as
"expects," "likely" or "believes." These forward-looking statements are based on
currently available competitive, financial and economic data and management`s
views and assumptions regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are
inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that actual results may
differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Among
the factors that could cause Sara Lee`s actual results to differ from such
forward-looking statements are the following: we may not be able to reach
agreement with an acquirer, or determine an alternative strategy, on terms that
are favorable to us; a disposition transaction may require us to recognize
impairment charges; and actual or proposed disposition activities may present
financial and operational risks, including diversion of management attention
from existing businesses, disruption caused by separating personnel and systems,
and disruption of our relationships with suppliers and customers.

For Sara Lee Corporation
Media:
Jon Harris, +1-630-598-8661
Mike Cummins, +1-630-598-8412
Analysts:
Aaron Hoffman, +1-630-598-8739

Copyright Business Wire 2009