Mars to Acquire Kellanova in $35.9 Billion Deal, Expanding Global Snacking Empire

Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, “We have a substantial opportunity for Mars to further develop a sustainable snacking business that is fit for the future. We will honor the heritage and innovation behind Kellanova’s incredible snacking and food brands while combining our respective strengths to deliver more choice and innovation to consumers and customers.”

Mars has announced its acquisition of Kellanova for a staggering $35.9 billion in cash, marking a significant merger between some of the largest candy and snack brands in the United States. The deal, revealed on Tuesday, ties together Mars, the owner of M&M’s, with Kellanova, a spin-off company from Kellogg that recently became independent.

NEW: Mars agrees to buy Kellanova for nearly $36 billion, bringing together two major food companies in one of the biggest deals of the year https://t.co/ZaYtjEOTJ4 pic.twitter.com/aFr2Xagmol

— Bloomberg (@business) August 14, 2024

Mars will acquire Kellanova for $83.50 per share, bringing major brands like Pringles and Cheez-Its under its expansive snacking division. Kellanova, which separated from its parent company in 2023, has been on a journey to become a leading global snack company, and this acquisition is seen as a major step toward achieving that goal.

Steve Cahillane, chairman, president, and CEO of Kellanova, expressed optimism about the merger, stating, “Kellanova has been on a transformation journey to become the world’s best snacking company, and this opportunity to join Mars enables us to accelerate the realization of our full potential and our vision.”

The acquisition comes at a time when consumer spending on brand-name snacks has been impacted by years of high inflation. As consumers increasingly turn to private-label products for value, major brands like Mars are looking to strengthen their portfolios through strategic acquisitions.

Mars agreed to buy Kellanova for nearly $36 billion including debt, bringing together two major food companies in the biggest deal of the year https://t.co/twWrgp2mRq pic.twitter.com/GCLydAmpMZ

— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) August 14, 2024

Andrew Clarke, global president of Mars Snacking, highlighted the significance of the deal, noting that the addition of Kellanova’s brands would create a “broader, global snacking business.” He emphasized that the merger would enhance Mars’ ability to meet consumer needs and drive profitable growth.

Kellanova’s portfolio, which generated over $13 billion in net sales in 2023, includes a variety of well-known brands. The merger will bring products like RXBAR and Nutri-Grain into Mars’ snacking lineup, complementing existing brands like KIND. The deal will also position Mars to further expand in the growing market for healthier snack options.

Snickers maker Mars is set to acquire Kellanova, the maker of Pringles in a deal valued at $36 billion. The all-cash deal is the biggest ever in the packaged food industry. @Shilparanipeta with the details pic.twitter.com/o9tdoF6MB2

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) August 14, 2024

The transaction is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

Quotes

Mars, Incorporated has made headlines with its recent agreement to acquire Kellanova, the parent company of well-known snack brands like Pringles, Cheez-It, and Pop-Tarts, for approximately $35.9 billion. This acquisition is set to be one of the largest in the food and beverage industry, reflecting Mars’ strategy to significantly expand its snacking business.

Steve Cahillane, Chairman and CEO of Kellanova, also expressed enthusiasm, noting, “This is a truly historic combination with a compelling cultural and strategic fit. Kellanova has been on a transformation journey to become the world’s best snacking company, and this opportunity to join Mars enables us to accelerate the realization of our full potential and our vision.”

The acquisition, expected to close in the first half of 2025, is seen as a significant move in the highly competitive global snacking industry, potentially triggering further mergers and acquisitions among other major players​ (foodnavigator-usa.com)​ (Lynnwood Times).

Major Points:

• Mars has announced its acquisition of Kellanova for $35.9 billion in cash, merging major U.S. candy and snack brands.
• The deal includes Mars purchasing Kellanova for $83.50 per share, bringing popular brands like Pringles and Cheez-Its under Mars’ snacking division.
• Kellanova, a spin-off from Kellogg, separated in 2023 and generated over $13 billion in net sales that year.
• The acquisition aims to create a broader global snacking business, with Mars expanding its portfolio to include healthier options like RXBAR and Nutri-Grain.
• The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News