May 18, 2007 11:01 AM

Groupe Danone has signed an agreement with Vialat to acquire 70% of its fresh dairy activity in Chile. Vialat, owned by the Bethia Group, will retain 30% of the business.

Danone has been active in Chile since the beginning of 2006, with products imported from Argentina such as Activia and Yogurisimo. Vialat’s fresh dairy business (30 million euros of sales in 2006) enjoys a solid position on its market with the Calán and Parmalat brands. This acquisition will enable Danone to offer an enhanced range to Chilean consumers, produced mainly in their domestic market.

As a result of the acquisition, Danone will benefit from additional distribution capabilities as well as access to a milk sourcing network and a local production base.

This partnership is part of Groupe Danone’s plan to increase its presence in the Latin American fresh dairy market.

The transaction should close before the end of June 2007.