Danone threatens legal action against Wahaha

SHANGHAI: French food giant Group Danone SA has notified the founder of Chinese partner Wahaha that it intends to take legal action against the firm, a company executive said yesterday.

Deeply embroiled in an acquisition row with China's biggest beverage producer, Danone wants a quick solution to quench "public rumors" and respond to growing calls to protect the domestic brand.

"We mean to end this soon because the public disclosure and rumors bring no good to anyone involved in this, including Zong Qinghou, chairman of Hangzhou Wahaha Group," Emmanuel Faber, president of Danone Asia-Pacific, said yesterday.