Ferrero Buys WK Kellogg in $3.1 Billion Deal, Securing Future for Battle Creek Staple

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.

WK Kellogg has been purchased by Italian candy manufacturer Ferrero in a deal valued at $3.1 billion.

The sale was announced Thursday, and members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers union, known as BCTGM, were notified during a morning town hall meeting.

The union represents over 300 WK Kellogg employees.

WK Kellogg CEO Gary Pilnick addressed employees to share details about the transition.

Trevor Bidelman, President and Business Agent of BCTGM Local 3G, said he appreciated the transparency shown throughout the process.

"That's all I ever ask for," Bidelman said. "Tell us what you need.

Tell us what you’ve got to have. Give us the opportunity to deliver what you want before coming in with your own ideas. So I’m really hoping that’s their approach."

Bidelman confirmed that the company plans to honor the current union contract, which runs through October 2026.

"They said today that they plan on honoring those," he said. "Our contract doesn’t expire until next October, so there shouldn’t be any change to our rules and regulations at least until that point."

The conversations with Ferrero have been positive, according to Bidelman.

"I’ve been here for 20 years," he said. "I’m a fourth-generation employee. My son just started their summer health program as a fifth-generation employee. I want to make sure it’s here for the long term. So this seems like a very good thing for us."

Had Ferrero opted not to honor the contracts, the two sides would have entered collective bargaining negotiations, which could have led to tension.

"We’re prepared to deal with the contract in October of 2026," Bidelman said. "If we had to turn around right now and deal with it, my guess is it would be a stoppage, especially if they were looking for major concessions. We don’t operate that way."

Although the agreement was announced Thursday, the deal is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.