China's largest drinks maker, Wahaha Group, confirmed it intends to sue its French partner Groupe Danone for up to five billion euros for conducting unspecified "illegal activities."

"We will countersue Danone, asking for two to five billion euros in damages," the company said in a statement.

"We have reliable evidence of their violations and will pursue their illegal activities according to the law," it said.

It did not specify where or when Hangzhou-based Wahaha would sue the French firm, its partner since 1996, but company spokesman Shan Qining on Tuesday acknowledged the plan, declining further comment.

Danone has alleged that Wahaha set up 20 independent companies to sell products identical to those sold by their joint ventures.

Danone, which owns 51-percent stakes in 39 joint ventures with Wahaha, has demanded a 51-percent stake in the non-joint venture companies, which Wahaha Group's chairman Zong Qinghou has rejected.