March 18/Minneapolis/Global Round Up - Stocks -- General Mills has entered into exclusive negotiations with PAI Partners and Sodiaal to purchase interests in Yoplait S.A.S. and affiliated companies.

General Mills' binding offer includes a controlling role in the operating company and a 50% interest in the entity which owns Yoplait and related brands.

Negotiations are in progress, and consultation procedures with the respective works' councils are being initiated.

Under the proposed transaction, General Mills will partner with Sodiaal in expanding and growing the Yoplait brand and businesses in France, Europe and around the world.

General Mills and Sodiaal have been business partners for decades. General Mills has licensed the Yoplait brand since 1977 and is Yoplait's largest licensee.

From the March 21, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News
For more of the latest news from the food and beverage industry, visit Prepared Foods' Daily News