Sara Lee Corporation will begin the sales process for its European meats business in July, and will look to sell the business as one unit, a spokesperson said. An industry banker said Sara Lee has distributed confidentiality agreements, and was sending sales books in two weeks. Several months ago, Sara Lee announced plans to sell its European meats and clothing businesses. The clothing sale is well underway. Sara Lee reported its European meat business generated US$1.1bn in 2004 revenue, and it operates in most continental European markets, with its largest positions in France and the Benelux region. There are some large and regional brands in the portfolio. There is also a fairly sizeable private label business that represents about 40% of total sales.