Cold war heats up

Nestle has entered negotiations with food manufacturer General Mills to buy the outstanding 50% share in Ice Cream Partners, a venture that sells Haagen-Dazs ice cream in America. The deal is thought to be worth more than $600 million (628m euros).

General Mills acquired Ice Cream Partners in July last year when it bought its owner, Pillsbury, for 11 billion euros.

Nestle is thought to be trying to close the gap on its nearest rival, Unilever, by purchasing brand names.