2007 wasn't a good year for Danone, which became embroiled in a legal battle with its partner Wahaha, and ended its joint venture with Mengniu Dairy Group. It also started 2008 by losing its Head of Operations in China, Emmanuel Faber.
Danone has, however, turned its attention to acquisitions, and
reportedly purchased two Chinese dairy plants.
According to China
Business News, it has signed agreements with Miaoshi Dairy in Beijing
for two manufacturing plants, in Beijing and Shanghai. Neither Danone
nor Miaoshi has confirmed the deal.
In another effort to clarify its China strategy, Danone also announced
that it has won approval from the Ministry of Commerce to sell its
20.01 per cent stake in Bright Dairy & Food to Shanghai Dairy and
SI Food Products Holdings.