Danone has offloaded infant nutrition businesses in France and the Benelux in the wake of last year’s acquisition of Dutch group Royal Numico.


The French food giant has sold its 123 milk brand in Belgium, Numico’s baby milk and baby drink business in France and Bledina’s export operations in Belgium and the Netherlands.


Lactalis has acquired the French Numico business and the 123 brand in Belgium.


Meanwhile, Swiss firm Hero Group has bought the Bledina operations in Belgium and the Netherlands.


“We have sold these businesses to meet the requirements of the European Commission. These were the stipulations placed on our acquisition of Numico,” a Danone spokesperson said.

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These businesses represent less than 3% of Danone’s infant nutrition activities worldwide, the company said.


Danone bought Numico, the company behind brands including Milupa and Cow & Gate, last year for EUR12.3bn (US$18.9bn).