The Italian giant Ferrero diet (Kinder, Nutella) will buy the American group WK Kellogg, specialist in breakfast cereals (Corn Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies, All-Bran). The transaction amounts to $ 3.1 billion (debt included).
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the two partners said they have signed a final agreement providing for payment by Ferrero of $ 23 per WK Kellogg share. This represents a premium of 31% compared to the closing course of the American group Wednesday in Wall Street.
The operation, fully funded in cash, was approved by the boards of directors of the two companies. It should be finalized in the second half, after approval in particular WK Kellogg shareholders and regulatory authorities.
The American group would then become a full -fledged subsidiary of Ferrero, according to the press release. Shareholders representing 21.7% of the capital of WK Kellogg have already committed to voting in favor of the acquisition, according to this press release. The Wall Street Journal had deflowered the announcement late Wednesday afternoon saying that Ferrero was “close to the finalization of a transaction of about three billion dollars” to buy WK Kellogg.
“Ferrero’s objective is to grow in the United States through acquisitions, after having already bought American confectionery activities (from the Swiss group) Nestlé” for $ 2.8 billion in 2018, the newspaper had noted. The action of WK Kellogg had flown by almost 50% in electronic exchanges after the New York Stock Exchange closed on Wednesday.
In June 2021, the breakfast giant Kellogg had revealed its intention to divide into three distinct and independent companies, but it had opted, in the end, for only two: WK Kellogg (cereals) and Kellanova (Snacks), which were born in October 2023. Kellanova – Chips Pringles, Snacks of Kellogg’s Nutrigain, Rice Krispies Treats …), Cheez -it, Carr’s – is currently the subject of a buy -back attempt by his compatriot Mars for $ 36 billion, announced in August 2024.
The latter counted on a finalization of the acquisition in the first half of 2025, but the European Commission, fearing price increases for consumers in a context of high food inflation, opened an investigation on June 25. The Mars group (Twix, Snickers, M & M’s but also Whiskas and Royal Canin animals) aims to diversify in savory snacks.
This article was published automatically. Sources: ATS / AWP / AFP
