Lactalis Faces Resistance From Lifeway Kefir CEO Amid Interest in Fonterra Asset Divestment, Australia Reviews Bid

Lifeway Foods, a publicly traded kefir company, is resisting a takeover attempt by French dairy giant Lactalis, its partner for over 25 years. CEO Julie Smolyansky is personally involved in opposing the bid, despite opposition from her family members. Meanwhile, Fonterra, the New Zealand-based dairy giant, is seeking to divest certain assets, attracting interest from several companies including Japan's Meiji, France's Lactalis, and Canada's Saputo. Lactalis has expressed interest in international investments but has not finalized any agreement to acquire parts of Fonterra. Additionally, Australian authorities have initiated an informal review of Lactalis's unannounced bid for Fonterra's assets.