Snack- and candymaker The Ferrero Group announced it will acquire cereal purveyor WK Kellogg Co, first reported yesterday by The Wall Street Journal.

Ferrero Group and WK Kellogg Co have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Ferrero has agreed to acquire WK Kellogg Co, for $23.00 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of $3.1 billion. The acquisition, which includes the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of WK Kellogg Co's portfolio of breakfast cereals across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, is part of Ferrero's plan for strategic growth and will expand the company's reach across more consumption occasions.

This transaction represents another chapter in Ferrero's strategy to acquire, invest in, and grow brands as it continues to enhance its overall footprint and product offerings in North America. As a result of this growth, in North America, Ferrero and its affiliated companies currently count more than 14,000 employees across 22 plants and 11 offices. The North America portfolio includes Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, and Ferrero Rocher, as well as American brands such as Butterfinger, Keebler, and Famous Amos. It also includes confectionery brands like Jelly Belly, Nerds, and Trolli, as well as frozen treat brands like Blue Bunny, Bomb Pop, and Halo Top.

Drawing upon its previous acquisitions in the U.S., Ferrero plans to invest in and grow WK Kellogg Co's brands including Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats, Kellogg's Special K, Kellogg's Rice Krispies, Kellogg's Raisin Bran, Kashi, Bear Naked, and more. WK Kellogg Co has been in operation for nearly 120 years, and Ferrero also brings over 75 years of heritage to the acquisition.

"I am thrilled to welcome WK Kellogg Co to the Ferrero Group. This is more than just an acquisition—it represents the coming together of two companies, each with a proud legacy and generations of loyal consumers," says Giovanni Ferrero, executive chairman of the Ferrero Group. "Over recent years, Ferrero has expanded its presence in North America, bringing together our well-known brands from around the world with local jewels rooted in the U.S. Today's news is a key milestone in that journey, giving us confidence in the opportunities ahead."

"We believe this proposed transaction maximizes value for our shareowners and enables WK Kellogg Co to write the next chapter of our company's storied legacy," says Gary Pilnick, chairman and CEO of WK Kellogg Co. "Since becoming an independent public company in October 2023, we have made excellent progress on our journey to become a more focused and more profitable business—driven by our tremendous people and a winning culture—all while building a strong foundation for future growth. Joining Ferrero will provide WK Kellogg Co with greater resources and more flexibility to grow our iconic brands in this competitive and dynamic market. As a family-owned private company with values in line with our founder W.K. Kellogg, Ferrero provides a great home for our people and has a track record of supporting the communities in which it operates. We look forward to collaborating with their team to deliver on the great promise of cereal, explore opportunities beyond cereal, and help us bring our best to consumers every day."

Lapo Civiletti, CEO, Ferrero Group, adds, "WK Kellogg Co, a trusted company with beloved brands, represents a meaningful addition to the Ferrero Group. Enhancing our portfolio with these complementary household brands marks an important step towards expanding Ferrero's presence across more consumption occasions and reinforces our commitment to delivering value to consumers in North America." 

Similar to WK Kellogg Co, Ferrero traces its roots to beginnings as a family business, still operating in the town where it was founded. After the transaction closes, Battle Creek, MI will remain a core location for the company and will be Ferrero's headquarters for North America cereal.

Ferrero Group is on the current Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery “Top 50 Snack & Bakery Companies” list. Click here to view the current “Top 50” rankings.