French company DANONE and the Israeli group EDEN SPRINGS have announced a merger of their European activities in water and sweets in the launch of a joint venture. DANONE will control 53.2% of the joint-venture, which will be based in Lausanne and will have the option of increasing it to 100% from 1 January 2008. The new company will obtain a turnover of EUR 160 million and control 20% of the market in Europe. DANONE's turnover in the sector currently stands at EUR 80 million.