Candy maker Ferrero to purchase Keebler for $1.3 billion

Linda Lindner//April 1, 2019//

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U.S. food group Kellogg Co. has agreed to sell its Keebler biscuits brand and other assets to chocolate confectionery giant Ferrero for $1.3 billion.

The deal encompasses Kellogg’s cookie, fruit and fruit-flavored snack, ice cream cone and pie crust businesses, which also includes Famous Amos cookies and Little Brownie Bakers, one of two suppliers of Girl Scout cookies.

With the deal, Ferrero is also acquiring six U.S. food manufacturing facilities and a leased manufacturing plant in Baltimore, meaning the company can expand its North American presence.

Ferrero USA Inc. has its headquarters in Parsippany. Ferrero, which is headquartered in Alba, Italy, first entered the U.S. with Tic Tac breath mints in 1969.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of July.