Private-equity group PAI Partners is reportedly mulling plans to split Yoplait into two separate companies within the framework of a possible sale of its 50% shareholding in the French fresh dairy product brand, according to media reports.
At the end of last month, PAI Partners informed Yoplait’s works council that it was considering a possible sale of the stake but said a firm decision on its intentions had yet to be taken.
One of the two companies making up the restructured Yoplait would manage the yogurt maker’s brands and international licenses while the other would handle production.
Under this new business organisation, French dairy co-operative Sodiaal, which currently owns the remaining 50% of Yoplait’s capital, would retain a 50% stake in the ‘brand’ company leaving a new investor to control the production company.
When contacted by just-food, Sodiaal declined to comment on the reports.
Last month, the group said it wanted to remain a Yoplait shareholder “in order to participate in the international development of the chilled dairy market, adding that it “had no intention of selling any part of its stake” in the company.
A spokesman for PAI Partners was not immediately available for comment.
