FDBusiness.com

Chinese food conglomerate Bright Food Group is reported to be in pole position in the race to acquire PAI Partners’ 50% stake in Yoplait. Rivals for the shareholding in the French and international yoghurt producer are believed to include Switzerland-based Nestle and General Mills of the US. The other 50% of Yoplait is owned by Sodiaal, the French farmers co-operative.

Last year, Bright Food Group held exclusive talks to acquire United Biscuits, the British and international biscuits and snacks manufacturer which is owned by PAI Partners and another private equity firm Blackstone Group, but these ended with no formal offer forthcoming. PAI Partners and Blackstone Group put United Biscuits up for auction earlier in 2010.