The feud began when Danone said it had discovered that Wahaha chairman Zong Qinghou had set up an entire production and distribution network in parallel to the French firm’s joint ventures with Wahaha.
In mid-2007 the French firm sought an arbitration ruling, accusing the Chinese beverage giant of breach of agreement by selling Wahaha-branded drinks without its permission.
“The collaboration between Danone and Wahaha helped to build a strong and respected leader in the Chinese beverage industry,” Danone chairman and chief executive Franck Riboud said in the statement.
“We are confident that Wahaha will continue to be highly successful under its future management.”
Danone remains committed to China, Riboud said, adding the company was “keen to accelerate the success of our Chinese activities”.