Sara Lee is to sell its bakery division in Spain and a refrigerated dough unit in France as it continues to restructure its business ahead of its plan to split in two.

The US food company said yesterday that "numerous bids" had been received for the two businesses, reported just-food.

A third unit, Sara Lee's frozen desserts business in Australia, "remains under strategic review", it said.

All three operations are part of Sara Lee's international bakery division. In January, Sara Lee said it would divide itself in two. One company, which will retain the Sara Lee name, will be spun off and focus on the group's North American grocery retail and foodservice arms. The second as yet unnamed firm will consist of Sara Lee's North American and international beverage operations and its international bakery arm.