France-based food giant Danone SA yesterday said that it will sell a 22.98% stake in China Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd<1886> to Hong Kong-based private equity fund SAIF Partners for Euro 200 million, sources reported.

China Huiyuan Juice, the largest marker of pure-fruit drinks in the country, confirmed the report in a filing with the Hong Kong,

Danone said in a statement that the sake disposal is in line with its operating strategy in China, adding it will focus on developing its four core businesses in the country, milk products, bottled water, infant foods and nutrition products. 

Danone entered Chinese market in 1980s. Currently, it owns 20 plants and 9,000 staff in the country.

China Huiyuan realized RMB 233.5 million in net profit for 2009, up 162.5% year on year, according to the firm's annual financial report.