Danone in YoCream buy

Danone has signed an agreement to acquire YoCream, the leading producer of frozen yogurt in the United States, for US$103 million (EUR77.9m).

The transaction will enable Danone to move into frozen yogurt, a fast growing segment in the US. It will also gain access to an away-from-home distribution network, in addition to its existing channels.

The move reflects Danone’s strategy for expansion of the fresh dairy products market in the US, in particular by extending the times and places where its products are consumed.

YoCream is based in Portland, Oregon, and its 2010 net sales are estimated at approximately US$58 million. The purchase is expected to be closed by the end of 2010.