23/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Mergers: General Mills/Yoplait. On Thursday, 23 June the European Commission granted clearance to the US agri-foods giant General Mills (grain, frozen foods, ice creams, deserts and pastries) of sole control over Yoplait, the Franco-US fresh and processed milk producer. Yoplait is the second-biggest producer in the world. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure, in particular because General Mills and Yoplait are not active on the same markets. General Mills had finalised the purchase of 51% of Yoplait's capital last March by buying out majority shareholder, the PAI investment fund for €810 million. Sodiaal remains the second biggest shareholder with a 49% stake. (F.G./transl.fl)