Danone Expands in North Africa
Danonehas paid €543 million to take control of Moroccan dairy company Centrale Laitière by increasing its shareholding from 28.2% to 67%. Danone has held its original stake since 2001.
This transaction represents a key step in Danone’s development in Morocco and confirms the strategic appeal of markets in North Africa for the French food and beverage group. Having raised its shareholding in Centrale Laitière above the 40% threshold, Danone is required to file a mandatory takeover bid for the company’s shares.
In 2012, Danone generated sales of more than €20 billion, of which more than half were in emerging markets. The group holds top positions in healthy food through four businesses: fresh dairy products, baby nutrition, bottled water and medical nutrition.
