US-based General Millsis in exclusive negotiations to buy a majority stake in French yogurt company Yoplait, according to the company. Yoplait is the world’s second-largest yogurt maker and is owned by French investment firm PAI partners and French cooperative dairy group Sodiaal. If successful, General Mills would acquire the roughly 50 per cent stake held by PAI partners and work with Sodiaal, which is retaining its stake. Estimates put the offer at $2.2 billion (EUR1.55bn)
The acquisition would build on General Mills’ product portfolio and operations in France, where it already produces several products.