Mondelez sells gum business to Perfetti Van Melle

Mondelez International sells its developed-market gum business in the United States, Canada and Europe to Perfetti Van Melle Group, a European gum and confectionery maker for $1.35 billion.

The divestiture enables the company to focus on its core chocolate, biscuit and baked snacks categories.

The sale includes manufacturing facilities in Rockford, Ill., and Skarbimierz, Poland, and the gum brands Trident, Dentyne, Stimorol, Hollywood, V6, Chiclets, Bubbaloo and Bubblicious in the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as the European candy brands Cachou Lajaunie, Negro, and La Vosgienne.

Mondelez International will continue to operate its gum business outside the United States, Canada and Europe, led by Stride in China, as well as all of its other candy brands and products.

“As we continue progressing our Vision 2030 focus and acceleration strategy, doubling down on our core snacking categories, we are pleased to transition our developed market gum business to a values-led, family-owned company whose portfolio is a strategic fit, and where our brands and people can thrive,” said Dirk Van de Put, chair and CEO, Mondelez International.

The acquisition of Mondelez International’s developed market gum business complements the Perfetti Van Melle portfolio that includes brands such as Mentos, Chupa Chups and Alpenliebe.

“Perfetti Van Melle will be an excellent home for the management team and employees of Mondelez International’s gum business in North America and Europe,” said Egidio Perfetti, chair of Perfetti Van Melle Group.

Mondelez International’s Vision 2030 strategy aims to generate 90 per cent of revenue in chocolate and biscuits, including baked snacks, categories identified with significant growth opportunities for the company.