11.01.01
Groupe Danone, Paris, France, has agreed to acquire an initial 40% holding in organic yogurt producer Stonyfield Farm, Londonderry, NH.Viewed as a long term partnership by both companies, Stonyfield will remain autonomously managed by current president and CEO Gary Hirshberg. In 2004 Groupe Danone will have the opportunity to acquire additional Stonyfield shares, which would give Danone majority ownership of Stonyfield, allowing it to fully consolidate Stonyfield’s financial results. Groupe Danone will initially acquire Stonyfield’s shares from nearly 300 existing shareholders, including farmers, friends and family of Mr. Hirshberg.