Danone is "discreetly exploring" a buyout of the Reckitt subsidiary alongside American investment bank Centerview Partners, according to La Lettre. The British firm paid 17 billion dollars in 2017 to acquire Mead Johnson. However, nearly a decade later, the diversification strategy has failed to meet its objectives. Recent years have been marred by write-downs, disposals, and lawsuits in the United States, creating a compelling opportunity for Danone. It should be noted, however, that this rumor resurfaces periodically.

Danone, which has a market capitalization of 44 billion euros, has regained its footing in recent years following a period of stagnation. The group has recently returned to the acquisition trail. At Reckitt, Mead Johnson accounts for only 15% of total revenue (2.1 billion pounds).