Private equity firm PAI Partners and French dairy co-operative Sodiaal have rejected a Eur1.4b bid to buy Yoplait from Lactalis. The international yoghurt producer has been up for sale since earlier this year when PAI Partners decided to dispose of its 50% stake.

If successful, the bid by Lactalis would have kept the Yoplait brand under French ownership. Nestle, Arla Foods, General Mills and a number of private equity companies remain potential suitors for Yoplait.

SABMiller, the world’s second biggest brewer, is reported to be considering launching a £7b bid for the beer business of Foster’s, the Australian brewer and wine producer. Carlton & United Brewers, Foster’s beer operation, produces Victoria Bitter and Foster’s lager.

A successful bid by SABMiller would make it the biggest brewer in Australia and strengthen its standing in the Pacific region. Japanese brewer Asahi is also believed to be interested in the Foster’s beer business.

Foster’s announced in May that it was going to spin-off its struggling wine business.

US-based Campbell, the world’s largest soup company, is reported to be preparing a £1.5b break-up bid for United Biscuits, the British and international biscuits and snacks manufacturer. Campbell’s interest is in the biscuits part of United Biscuits, which includes the McVitie’s, Penguin, Jaffa Cakes and HobNobs brands. United Biscuits is also a major snacks manufacturer with a brands portfolio that incorporates McCoy’s crisps, Hula Hoops, KP Nuts and Twiglets.

In 2009, United Biscuits increased EBITDA by 13.7% to £223.4m on turnover up 5% to £1.26b. Current owners, private equity firms Blackstone Group and PAI Partners, which acquired United Biscuits for £1.6b four years ago, have put the company up for auction.

Three other US-based food groups – Krafts Foods, PepsiCo and Kellogg – are also believed to be potential bidders for United Biscuits.