Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Willkie Farr & Gallagher and Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier have picked up lead roles as US food group General Mills agrees to buy a 50% stake in French yoghurt company Yoplait, in a deal that values the company at €1.6bn (£1.4bn).

General Mills entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire buyout house PAI Partners’ 50% stake in the company last week (18 March), following a competitive bidding process.