For over 100 years, Danone has been supporting people worldwide with its 146 delicious brands. Located in over 120 countries with more than 89,000 employees across production sites, warehouses, headquarters, and R&D center, Danone continually develops iconic products. Certified as Bcorpand Happy Trainees, Danone strives to be a better company for the world, its consumers, and its employees. 

Danone’s Renew Strategy, introduced in 2022 by CEO Antoine de Saint‑Affrique, aims to reconnect the company with sustainable, profitable growth by fundamentally resetting its culture, execution discipline, and financial model. The strategy positions Danone as a science‑based, consumer‑ and patient‑centric health and nutrition company, focused on key health platforms such as gut health, protein, and medical nutrition, while taking a more disciplined and proactive approach to portfolio management, capital allocation, and returns. Renew transforms and restores execution rigor, aligning performance with Danone’s long‑standing health‑focused mission. 

M&A has historically shaped Danone strategy and has been a relevant tool for growth and portfolio refocusing. Current M&A strategy is explicitly framed as disciplined, selective, and ROIC‑driven, supporting the Danone’s Renew strategy. The M&A Team reports to Danone Group CFO. 

About the role:

As a member of the Global M&A team, you will actively participate in the inorganic growth strategy and execution of the Renew Danone Strategy. 

Main Responsibilities:

1)    Strategy and Pipeline management

• In depth industry analysis in Danone’s three categories, Essential Dairy & Plant Base, Specialised Nutrition and Waters 
• Liaise with the Investment banks to identify potential opportunities.
• Work closely with the Corporate and regional strategy teams to define adequate M&A targets aligned with strategy

2)    Financial & Business analysis

• Build business models and scenario analyses leading valuation using multiple methodologiess (DCF, Multiples, precedent transactions) 
• Assess synergies (topline and bottom-line)
• Assess impacts for the Group (ROIC, EPS, etc)

3)    Deal Execution

• Manage the end-to-end transaction process including business case preparation, deal structuring, negotiations, coordination with internal stakeholders and external advisors (bankers, auditors, consultants, lawyers)
• Co-Lead the Due Diligence process with the M&A Legal team (finance, tax, commercial, Legal, Operations, HR, ESG, etc.)

4)    Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the co-coordinator of the different teams and workstream (Finance, Legal, Tax, Ops,IT, Commercial, HR, etc.)
• Translate complex information into clear recommendation for top management

5)    Negotiating & Closing

• Support negotiations
• Ensure the transaction is executed in compliance with internal governance and regulatory requirements

6)    Post Merger Integration

• Preparation of integration plans to be handed over to the business teams
• Close cooperation with the business units to ensure operational success and delivery of the business case

The criteria below remain indicative. A candidate who has a different combination of experience and skills could also be considered. 

• Master's degree in accounting, finance, economics, business or management from top tier schools
• CPA or CFA or similar professional qualification
• 3–6 years of solid M&A deal experience, with a proven track record of successful transactions (Investment Banking, Corporate M&A, Private Equity): acquisitions, disposals, JVs & Partnerships
• Overseas working experiences or multinational corporation working experiences
• Strong knowledge in valuation and financial modelling
• Proven ability to establish relations built on high level of trust
• Team leadership and people management
• Experience working collaboratively with all levels of internal staff, external advisors & government officials
• Fluency in English
• Pragmatic with business sense, good investment judgment and strategic thinking
• Autonomous and self-motivated, with the ability to handle high workload
• Strong communication skills
• Sound business ethics

We are proud to promote diversity and equal opportunities within our teams. We believe that our differences make us stronger, and that an inclusive work environment supports our growth as a company, as teams, and as individuals. We therefore welcome all applications* while fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can feel they belong. We have also chosen to remove inclusive writing from our job descriptions, as its complexity can create barriers for individuals with cognitive disabilities, including dyslexia, dysphasia or apraxia.

*All applications will be considered regardless of origin, background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic.

One Planet, One Health - BY YOU !

Our four core values "HOPE": HUMANISM, OPENNESS, CLOSENESS and ENTHUSIASM serve as our compass.

Every day, you will make decisions that impact our economic and societal performance, as well as our ability to achieve our ambitions.

At Danone, you can just be yourself. We are convinced that it is up to YOU to define how you work, develop and progress.

With us, you will work in a challenging, authentic, and caring environment.

Want to know more about the daily life of our danoners? Check out our LinkedIn page and our @DanoneTalentFrance Instagram account.

You want to take action to bring health through food to as many people as possible? Join us!

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