Mondelēz Explores Hershey Acquisition in Potential Mega-Deal

Mondelz International Inc., the global food and beverage company, is reportedly exploring an acquisition of Hershey Co., a leading chocolate manufacturer. This potential merger could create a powerful entity in the food industry with an estimated $50 billion in combined sales. Mondelz, valued at about $84 billion, has made a preliminary approach to Hershey, which holds a market capitalization of around $35 billion. The transaction is still in the discussion phase, and both companies have declined to comment on the matter. Central to the deal's feasibility is the Hershey Trust Co., the major voting power behind The Hershey Co. The trust’s approval is crucial, yet it remains uncertain. This is not Mondelz's first attempt at acquiring Hershey; in 2016, they withdrew a $23 billion bid after it was rejected. Hershey, based in Pennsylvania, is known for over 90 brands across 80 countries, generating revenues of approximately $11.2 billion. Mondelz, headquartered in Illinois, operates in 150 countries and reported 2023 revenues of around $36 billion.