Ferrero close to sealing United Biscuits deal

United Biscuits said it had a received an offer from Italy-based Ferrero for the manufacturers of its Belgian Delacre and Delichoc brands. Ferrero said it expected the deal to be completed by mid-December.

‘Made an offer for Delacre and Delichoc biscuits’​

Ferrero and United Biscuits both said: “A Ferrero-affiliated entity has made an offer to acquire the manufacturers of Delacre and Delichoc biscuits – NV Biscuits Delacre SA and United Biscuits Industries SAS (together ​‘Delacre’)​ – from United Biscuits.​

“The relevant worker council consultations have been completed and the offer is now subject to a competition review in line with standard procedures and steps for a transaction of this nature.”​

Ferrero had initially made an offer to buy the brands in July, it was understood.

Ferrero is widely known for its Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, tic tac and Kinder bueno brands.

Form a conglomerate​

United Biscuits was part of its owner Yildiz Holding’s plan to form a conglomerate​ in June, named Pladis. Pladis featured Yildiz Holding’s core biscuit, chocolate and confectionery businesses – including United Biscuits, Godiva Chocolatier, Ulker and DeMet’s Candy Company.

Meanwhile, Ferrero acquired 30% of the UK chocolatier Thorntons in June last year​, after striking a deal worth £112M. It was believed Ferrero had plans to eventually buy the entire company.