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Apr 28, 2008 8:27 am US/Central
Mars Inc. Gobbling Up Wrigley For $23 Billion
CHICAGO (AP) ―
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Candy maker Mars Inc. says it's buying confectioner Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. in an all-cash deal valued at almost $23 billion.
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Candy maker Mars Inc. is buying Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., the confectioner behind Juicy Fruit and Doublemint gum and Life Savers candy, for about $23 billion in cash, the companies announced Monday.
The agreement has the potential to transform the globe's confectionary industry and could spawn a series of other combinations.
"First and foremost, this is a great transaction at a great price that provides tremendous value to Wrigley stockholders," Bill Wrigley, Jr., chairman of Wrigley's board, said in a statement. "We see this as an historic opportunity to preserve what is special about the Wrigley company in terms of values and culture, while continuing to grow and develop our associates, invest in our brands and drive long-term generational growth."
Family owned Mars is the world's largest chocolate seller and makes M&Ms, Snickers bars and other candy.
Under the agreement, shareholders at Chicago-based Wrigley would receive $80 in cash for each share Wrigley share.
The $80-per share offer is a 28 percent premium to Wrigley's Friday closing price of $62.45 and the news sent Wrigley's shares into overdrive in pre-market trading Monday.
The stock price soared $16.05, or 25.6 percent, to $78.50 in premarket trading Monday.
After the buyout is completed in six to 12 months, Wrigley would become a subsidiary of McLean, Va.-based Mars.
"When this transaction is completed, we will be proud to welcome Wrigley's associates to our company," Mars President Paul S. Michaels said in a statement. "The strong cultural heritage of two legendary American companies with a shared commitment to innovation, quality and best-in-class global brands provides a great basis for this combination."
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. will purchase $2.1 billion minority equity interest in the Wrigley subsidiary once the deal is completed. The Omaha, Neb.-based company also offered $4.4 billion of subordinated debt to fund the deal.
"A good time to buy a really great business is when you can do it," Warren Buffett said on CNBC Monday, adding that he understands Mars and Wrigley better than the balance sheets of most major banks.
Among Wrigley's others brands are Orbit, Extra and Big Red gum and Altoids mints.
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