French dairy co-op Sodiaal has dismissed reports that it is ready to sell part of its 50% stake in yoghurt maker Yoplait. A company spokesman said that they wanted to remain as a shareholder in Yoplait to participate in chilled dairy market. Yoplait is jointly owned by Sodiaal and private equity group PAI partners.

The ownership of Yoplait has been the subject of rumours in previous week. It emerged that banks had approached PAI Partners with propositions from potential buyers to acquire its 50% stake. PAI Partners has informed Yoplait’s works council that it was mulling a possible sale of the stake but a firm decision on its intentions has yet to be taken.

Sodiaal, meanwhile, is still short of closing its takeover of fellow dairy co-op Entremont Alliance, despite having announced a draft deal last month.

source: just-food.com