10-year collaboration
Yakult’s share on the Japanese stock exchange dropped 6.1 % after the rumours broke. Currently, it is valued at 1.1 trillion yen (7.54 billion euro), which means that Danone’s shares are worth 1.5 billion euro.
If Danone sold all its shares, that would be the end of a 10-year collaboration between both companies. Danone could use the funds to acquire other companies, as it is looking for new sources of income. Last year, Danone reported a profit drop, for the first time in more than 10 years.
Both Danone and Yakult’s management refused to comment on the possible sale. Currently, Danone is also in the process of selling off its health brands.
