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Mars to Acquire Kellanova for $36 Billion in Landmark Deal

Food and Beverages

Business Honor
21 August, 2024

The deal raises potential antitrust concerns, especially due to the overlap in the snack and cereal bar categories

Mars, the global confectionery giant, announced its acquisition of Kellanova for $35.9 billion in cash, marking a significant consolidation in the U.S. snack industry. The deal, set at $83.50 per share, will merge Kellanova’s well-known brands like Pringles and Cheez-Its into Mars’ expansive snacking portfolio.

Kellanova, a spinoff from Kellogg in 2023, reported over $13 billion in net sales last year. Mars’ CEO Poul Weihrauch emphasized that this acquisition aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy, enhancing its global presence, especially in key markets like China and Africa. Mars Snacking's Global President Andrew Clarke emphasized how this acquisition could lead to the emergence of a "broader, global snacking business”. However, the deal raises potential antitrust concerns, especially due to the overlap in the snack and cereal bar categories. Consumer advocacy groups, such as Food & Water Watch, have voiced concerns over reduced competition and increased prices for consumers. Kellanova CEO Steve Cahillane downplayed these concerns, citing the highly fragmented nature of the snack market.

The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2025, following regulatory approval. This move follows months of pressure from Toms Capital Investment Management, an activist fund that had urged Kellanova to consider strategic changes. With this deal, the snack industry will undergo a major transition that could change the way consumers make choices in the future.