Lactalis and Sodiaal Acquire U.S. and Canadian Operations Respectively

  • General Mills sells North American yogurt business for $2.1 billion
  • Lactalis acquires U.S. operation, Sodiaal takes over Canadian operation
  • Deals expected to close in 2025
  • Yoplait, Liberté, Go-Gurt, Oui, Mountain High included in sale
  • North American business generated $1.5 billion in sales in fiscal 2024

General Mills Inc. has agreed to sell its North American yogurt business, which includes brands like Yoplait, Liberté, Go-Gurt, Oui, and Mountain High, to French dairy companies Lactalis and Sodiaal for $2.1 billion in cash. The deal is expected to be 3% dilutive to adjusted per-share earnings in the first year after closing and will see the U.S. business become part of Lactalis while Sodiaal takes over the Canadian operation. The sale comes amid growing competition with Danone SA and Chobani Inc., as General Mills focuses on growth segments like premium pet food and organic snacks.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about General Mills selling its North American yogurt business to French dairy companies Lactalis and Sodiaal for $2.1 billion in cash. It includes details about the brands being sold, the expected impact on adjusted per-share earnings, and the reasoning behind the decision. The article also mentions the expected completion date and the company’s future plans. There is no sensationalism or opinion masquerading as fact.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant and accurate information about General Mills selling its North American yogurt business to French dairy companies Lactalis and Sodiaal for $2.1 billion in cash. It also mentions the impact on adjusted per-share earnings and the company’s strategy of focusing on growth segments like premium pet food and organic snacks. The article is informative without any irrelevant or misleading information, and stays on topic throughout.
Public Companies: General Mills Inc. (GIS), Danone SA (FR:BN), S&P 500 (SPX)
Private Companies: Lactalis,Sodiaal,Chobani Inc.
Key People: Jeff Harmening (Chairman and Chief Executive)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: General Mills’ yogurt business sale impacts financial markets and companies involved in the dairy industry, including General Mills, Lactalis, Sodiaal, Danone SA, and Chobani Inc.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a significant transaction involving General Mills selling its North American yogurt business for $2.1 billion, which affects financial markets by impacting the companies involved in the dairy industry and their respective portfolios.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.
Deal Size: The deal size is $2100000000.
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: Food and Beverage
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Small
Affected Instruments: Stocks

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