Danone, Britannia in talks to sort out issues

The Wadia group and French dairy major Groupe Danone are taking concrete steps to resolve their long standing differences. Danone spokesperson confirmed that the partners were in talks to sort out issues ranging from intellectual property rights to managing conflicting business interests.

The French dairy major said in a statement that "Both companies met in London. They are currently working in good will to solve their differences."

Ever since Britannia Industries, in which the two hold a stake through a holding company, did not disclose its July-September 2006 quarterly results to Groupe Danone.

The disclosure by Groupe Danone in its financial statement was just one among several issues that cropped up between the partners in the following months. Brand usage was another bone of contention.