Ferrero has remained silent on reports that it has held talks with private-equity groups over the possibility of launching a counter bid for UK chocolate maker Cadbury.
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At the end of November, Ferrero indicated that it was mulling a possible counter bid following the launch of a hostile takeover approach for Cadbury from Kraft Foods.
Speculation initially centred on the possibility of a joint takeover bid from Ferrero and US chocolate group Hershey.
However, according to a report in Il Sole 24, Ferrero recently held discussions with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Blackstone Group over the possibility of launching a counter offer in conjunction with the private equity groups.
A spokesperson for Ferrero confirmed today (4 January) that the group is still “considering its options” with regard to Cadbury and monitoring the progress of Kraft Foods’ hostile GBP10.5bn (US$16.9bn) takeover bid “with interest”.
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By GlobalDataThe spokesperson declined to comment further on what form a bid could potentially take emphasising that “no decision” has been reached.
“There is nothing further to add at this stage,” the spokesperson said.
KKR and Blackstone declined to comment.
