Lactalis Eyes Swedish Dairy Group

French dairy group Lactalis is reported to be in negotiations to acquire Skanemejerier, the Swedish dairy products and fruit juices co-operative. Skanemejerier achieved a net profit of SEK300.2 million ($44.6 million) in 2010, up substantially from SEK26.9 million reported in the previous year. However, the increase was due to the proceeds from the disposal of a majority stake in juice business ProViva to Danone. At the operating level, Skanemejerier reported a loss of SEK52.1 million on sales up 10.8% to SEK3.31 billion.