The French food and drinks group, Danone, has dismissed speculation that it has become an imminent takeover target after its share price surged on Thursday. Danone’s shares rose by 5% to a 2003 high of €135.

Both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo were suggested as possible bidders for the company which owns Evian water among other soft drinks brands.

However, a Danone spokesman was scathing about the rumours. “This is a classic, old, recurrent rumour and we do not understand why, since it is such a repeated rumour, it should set off such a reaction,” the spokesman said.

Just Drinks Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Drinks Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

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ROBOT Kombucha by Net Zero Foods has won the Innovation Award in the Probiotic Beverages category in the 2025 Just Drinks Excellence Awards. Discover how this AI-developed, 100% organic, low-sugar probiotic cola is reshaping gut-health drinks while championing bee-friendly, sustainable sourcing.

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