In 2004 Danone and Yakult signed a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening their global leadership in probiotics and accelerating the growth of both companies in the functional food market. Under this alliance several collaboration projects in probiotics research and promotion have been undertaken, as well as commercial joint ventures in India and Vietnam.

As provided for in the alliance, since the end of the first phase in May 2012, discussions on the development of the partnership have taken place in recent months, leading to the termination of the alliance agreement and the signing of a new cooperation framework.

This new framework calls for existing collaborations to be continued, and envisages extending them into areas that are more operational in nature and that offer benefits for both parties. Given the relationship of trust built up over the years, this framework does not contain commitment or limitation regarding Danone’s equity interest in Yakult.

Through this new cooperation framework, which opens a new stage in their cooperation, Danone reaffirms its status as a major shareholder and long-term partner of Yakult. In this context three Danone representatives will continue to serve on Yakult’s board of directors.