Homburger advises Perfetti Van Melle on Mondelez’s acquisition

Last December 2022, C+F Confectionery and Foods and Perfetti Van Melle Group announced that Perfetti Van Melle, the owner of confectionary brands such as Chupa Chups and Mentos, has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Mondelēz International’s developed-market gum business in the United States, Canada and Europe for USD 1.35 billion.

The purchase includes the gum brands Trident, Dentyne, Stimorol, Hollywood, Chiclets, BuBubbaloo, V6 and Bubbalicious in the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as the European candy brands Cachou Lajaunie, Negro, and La Vosgienne. The manufacturing facilities in Rockford, IL and Skarbimierz, Poland are also part of the deal.

The transaction, which was subjected to customary closing conditions, has been closed on October 1, 2023. The definitive agreements cover the purchase of the business in the United States, Canada and Europe excluding France. The parties have entered into exclusive arrangements for the purchase of the business in France.

Homburger has acted as Swiss counsel to Perfetti Van Melle on this transaction. The team was led by partner Daniel Hasler (pictured) and included Simone Schmid (both corporate / M&A) as well as Jeremy Reichlin (employment and executive compensation). UBS acted as financial advisor and Linklaters as legal advisor.