The confectionary group said in a press release issued on 1 April:

“Ferrero will acquire a strong portfolio of beloved brands in the cookie category, including the iconic cookie brand Keebler, top selling on-the-go Famous Amos cookies, the premium family cookie brand Mother’s, and Murray sugar free cookies, as well as Little Brownie Bakers, supplier of cookies to the Girl Scouts. Ferrero will also acquire the Kellogg fruit snacks business, including Stretch Island and Fruity Snacks along with Keebler’s ice cream cones and pie crust products.”

Lapo Civiletti, CEO of the Ferrero Group, stated in the announcement:

“We are acquiring a portfolio of well-established brands that consumers love, with very strong market positions across their respective categories, allowing us to significantly diversify our portfolio and capitalize on exciting new growth opportunities in the world’s largest cookies market.”

Kellogg said in a separate news release on Monday:

“In 2018, these businesses recorded net sales of nearly $900 million and operating profit of approximately $75 million, including estimated indirect corporate expenses.”

Kellogg said the deal is expected to close in July.

Ferrero is the maker of Nutella spread, Tic Tac breath mints, and Ferrero Rocher and Kinder chocolates. It became the “third-largest confectionary company in the US” after its $2.8bn purchase of several brands from Nestle last year.

Ferrero’s international operations are based in Findel and the outfit reported turnover of €10.7bn for the year ending 31 August 2018. The firm employs more than 900 people in Luxembourg.