Sergei Bachin’s Agranta group, active in the agricultural sector, may acquire the Russian business of French dairy producer Danone. This development was reported by a leading industry agency, which cited a source familiar with the dairy market. The agency’s information aligned with statements from a Bachin-backed press service, which indicated that Agranta’s interest centers on safeguarding the brands owned by the French conglomerate rather than purchasing the production facility itself.
According to a Bachin-affiliated spokesperson, brand strength is the cornerstone of sustainable business value. Protecting those brands and continuing to advance milk production within Russia is a priority that underpins any potential deal. The emphasis is on preserving brand equity and ensuring ongoing development across the Russian dairy sector, rather than simply acquiring assets in a traditional sense.
Industry coverage noted that Kommersant had reported in the first half of February that Danone contemplated transferring its Russian assets to other investors while retaining a right to repurchase. This maneuver would allow Danone to maintain strategic influence even after asset transfer, a move that could influence negotiations and interest from regional players.
Subsequently, Izvestia cited a source in early April detailing Danone’s possible strategy to wind down certain brand lines in Russia. The report pointed to Activia, Alpro, and Actimel as examples of brands that might be scaled back or exited, signaling a broader recalibration of Danone’s portfolio in the Russian market. The implications for consumer choice, local supply chains, and brand localization are central to industry observers who are tracking shifts in the dairy landscape.