Parmalat, the scandal-hit dairy group set to re-list tomorrow, is reportedly braced for a takeover battle after rival firms Granarolo and Lactalis expressed interest in the embattled company.

Rossella Saoncella, general manager of Italy's Granarolo, told Reuters: "We are indeed considering the deal. We are waiting to see how things go." She did not elaborate on the size or timing of a potential offer.