Groupe Danone Further Invests in Huiyuan IPO

26/02/07 Groupe Danone has announced that it further supports Huiyuan by participating in the China Huiyuan Juice Group Limited Initial Public Offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

DANONE will subscribe for additional shares, bringing its stake in China Huiyuan Juice Group Limited's issued share capital to 24.32%.

DANONE first invested in Huiyuan in June 2006. As a recognized leader in the worldwide food and beverage market, DANONE provides assistance in key areas of operations.

Emmanuel Faber, Chairman for DANONE in Asia Pacific, said, “The China fruit juice market is experiencing strong growth and we are excited to be part of this. We believe supporting and developing strong local brands such as Huiyuan Juice is key to our success in China.”

“We are pleased to see further strategic investment from DANONE,” said Mr. Zhu Xinli, Chairman and President of Huiyuan Juice Group. “With DANONE as one of our key investors we can leverage the expertise and management of a global leader in the food and beverage market. This will allow us to continue strengthening the Huiyuan Juice brand benefiting our shareholders, our customers and our employees.”

China is the 3rd largest country in sales terms among the total 40 countries in which DANONE is present, and enjoys a strong and continuous growth. In 2006, DANONE’s net sales in China exceeded Euro 1.4 billion, accounting for more than 10% of the group’s global sales.

Said Emmanuel Faber, “DANONE has made a long-term commitment to China's food and beverage industry which is evident through our strategic investments. We respect the culture of our local partners. We work closely with them to develop profitable businesses and bring health to Chinese consumers through nutritious and tasty products.”