US condiments specialist (mustard and ketchup) HEINZ is preparing to make a public bid of $20 billion on BESTFOODS. The two groups began negotiations back in September last (see EI of 17 September 99), which had stumbled up against the question of the management of the new group thus formed. BESTFOODS has also been approached by the Anglo-Dutch group, UNILEVER, which proposes $18.4 billion for acquisition.