Canadian cheese-maker Saputo has confirmed it is in “advanced” talks with French dairy group Lactalis over the possible sale of a plant Germany.

Saputo is winding down its European operations and the group had planned to shutter its cheese-making facility in Heiden at the end of the month.

However, in a last ditch attempt to avoid closure of the facility, Saputo has entered into discussions with Lactalis over a possible sale. “We are in talks with Lactalis,” a Saputo spokesperson said.

Talks are in an “advanced stage” the spokesperson confirmed, but declined to comment further on the sale process.

Lactalis was unavailable for comment at time of press.