DJ Danone Draws Up Shortlist For Frucor Sale - Report

MELBOURNE, Sep 29, 2008 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- DA | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Groupe Danone (GDNNY) and its adviser JPMorgan have drawn up a short list of buyers for the A$800 million-plus auction of its Frucor unit, maker of V energy drinks, The Australian Financial Review reported Tuesday.

Without citing its sources, the newspaper said the shortlist was cut from 14 potential buyers to include privately owned P&N beverages, maker of Waterfords flavored mineral water, which has teamed up with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Merrill Lynch Private Equity.

Kirin Holdings Co. (KNBWY) subsidiary National Foods and Japan's Asahi Breweries Ltd. (2502.TO) are also likely to be on the list, as well as buyout firms Pacific Equity Partners and CCMP, who jointly own Independent Liquor, the newspaper said.

Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd. (CCL.AU) is trying to convince private equity to carve up Frucor so that it can get its hands on V and still appease competition watchdogs, it said.

Newspaper Web site: http://www.afr.com -By Melbourne bureau; 61-2-8235-2950; djnews.sydney@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

09-29-08 1802ET

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