The French government is concerned by the possibility of a hostile takeover of dairy company Danone, and would defend French interests in that regard, said prime minister Dominique de Villepin, according to the Reuters news agency.

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Villepin is the most senior government figure to weigh in with comments warning US soft drink giant PepsiCo off making a hostile takeover bid for Danone, the agency said.


He told reporters that Danone was one of the flagships of French industry and “any strategic solution should involve defending Danone’s interests” and those of French industry.

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