Unilever says nears deal to merge Foods unit with McCormick
March 31 (Reuters) - Unilever ULVR.L said on Tuesday it was in advanced talks with spice maker McCormick MKC.N about a potential combination of its foods business in a deal that would include an upfront cash component of about $15.7 billion, with the majority of the consideration in McCormick equity. (Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong, Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru and Richa Naidu in London; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) ((Yadarisa.Shabong@thomsonreuters.com; +91 9742735150;))