Danone acquires US organic dairy firm
French dairy company Danone – known for its yogurt brands Activia and Actimel, as well as water brand Evian – has acquired US organic dairy business WhiteWave Foods for £9.6bn.
Both Danone’s and WhiteWave’s board of directors unanimously agreed on an all-cash deal worth £43.36 per share. Danone said the deal “doubles the size of [its] US business”.
Danone chairman Franck Riboud said: “I believe this acquisition advances Danone’s mission and rich history of being at the forefront of emerging consumer trends and commitment to creating economic and social value.
“We believe WhiteWave’s size, positioning and geographical footprint fit perfectly with Danone’s strategy and that it is the right transaction at the right time.”