Unigate buys Danone divisions, reports fall in profits

Article Abstract:

UK food group Unigate is to acquire a controlling stake in two food manufacturers from French market leader Danone in a bid to become a heavyweight in the European convenience food market. The acquisition of Marie Surgeles France and Generale Traiteur will lift Unigate's annual turnover in France to approximately 335m [pounds sterling] (??522m) and its sales in mainland Europe to 600m [pounds sterling]. The transaction, believed to be worth FF1.45bn (??221.1m), follows Unigate's acquisition of UK chilled convenience food group Terranova in April (see Eurofood, 6 May 1999, p5) and further underlines Unigate's belief that it has found a potentially very lucrative niche. "Although people think of the food business as a pretty mature market, the convenience food market is experiencing very vigorous growth," said John Worby, Unigate financial director.

United Kingdom, United States, France, Food Manufacturing, FOOD AND KINDRED PRODUCTS, Convenience Foods, Frozen Food Manufacturing, Frozen Foods, Preserved Fruits and Vegetables, Food industry, Frozen foods industry, Marie Surgeles France, Generale Traiteur S.A.

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Controversy continues over Leyma sale

Article Abstract:

The recent purchase of the Galician dairy group Leyma-Ram by Puleva, another Spanish dairy group but one which is based in Andalucia, continues to be surrounded by controversy. The Galician regional government (the Xunta) has repeatedly expressed its concern at control of Leyma passing into non-Galician hands, especially as the firm has received substantial subsidies from the Xunta, and it has now suggested that the sale of the company was in fact illegal.

Spain, Puleva, Leyma-Ram

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Unigate buys into French dairy market

Article Abstract:

Prodipal, a French producer of yogurt and desserts, and Vedial, a French manufacturer of low fat spread, have been purchased by dairy foods concern Unigate. This is part of plans by the UK concern to establish a strong presence in Europe. It hopes that its French-based dairy products activities will achieve sales of more than 100 million pounds sterling.

Prodipal, Vedial

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