Swiss dairy group Emmi has bought out French milk processor Bongrain from Emmi Fondue (EFON), the joint venture operation in which Bongrain held a minority stake.

Bongrain held a 34% stake in EFON since 2004. The companies declined to reveal the financial details of the transaction.

Emmi said the move would not alter EFON’s strategic direction. “The abandonment of this co-operation will have no impact on EFON’s strategy or operations. Emmi will continue to focus on developing the processed cheese brands Gerber, Gala, Tigre, Chalet and Swiss Knight both in Switzerland and abroad,” the company stated.