Wahaha chief a bold Chinese entrepeneur who won't back down

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

SHANGHAI (AFP) — Bold, frank and aggressive, millionaire drinks king Zong Qinghou is a self-made Chinese entrepreneur who has refused to back down in his bitter battle with French food giant Danone.

The charismatic founder of Wahaha Group, China's biggest drinks firm, remains locked in a months-long power struggle with Danone for control of their joint venture business that for over a decade brought both sides big profits.

With the case arousing huge global and national interest, Zong, 61, has in recent weeks stepped up his fiery rhetoric against Danone, while what was once a model business of Sino-foreign cooperation has been left to flounder.

Although the feud that emerged this year is an old-fashioned business fight about ownership, it also highlights the...