Ferrara's Holding Company Enters into Exclusive Discussions to Acquire CPK Group

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Jul 11, 2025, 12:00 ET

Potential acquisition would add French confectionary company with leadership position in Europe to Ferrara portfolio of more than 30 brands

Combination would further position Ferrara to create connections with and provide iconic, beloved candies to more consumers around the world

CHICAGO, LUXEMBOURG, and PARIS, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A European holding company of Ferrara Candy Company, a top selling sugar candy company in the U.S., announced today that it has entered into exclusive discussions to acquire CPK Group ("CPK"), a leading French manufacturer and distributor of popular candies and chocolates, from Eurazeo, a leading global investment group. Ferrara Candy Company is a Ferrero-affiliated company. The proposed transaction will be submitted to the relevant employee representative bodies for consultation and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The planned acquisition would aim to combine CPK's strong position in the European confectionary market with Ferrara Candy Company's broad portfolio of sugar confections and history of breakthrough innovation and value creation, bringing more enjoyment to consumers across Europe and strengthening Ferrara's platform for continued growth. CPK would continue to be operated from France for French consumers and beyond.

Created in 2017 following the acquisition of 14 brands from Mondelez and the combination in 2018 with the company Lamy Lutti, CPK is home to iconic candy and chocolate brands. The group is mainly active in three market segments: candy (notably with Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Michoko brands), milk chocolate with the British brand Terry's, and French chocolate brands such as Poulain and 1848, all of which are poised for growth.

Headquartered in Chicago for more than 115 years and privately held, Ferrara Candy Company is a sugar confections company with sales in more than 40 countries. It manufactures iconic brands such as NERDS^®, Jelly Belly^®, SweeTARTS^®, and Dori.

"CPK is a great portfolio of candy and chocolate brands well loved by the French and European consumer," said Marco Capurso, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrara Candy Company. "We are honored to be the possible future owner of this company and to work with its talented team and beloved brands."

Upon close of the proposed acquisition, CPK's more than 900 employees would join Ferrara Candy Company. CPK currently has French manufacturing holdings in Bondues, Saint-Genest, Strasbourg, and Vichy, and all would be acquired by Ferrara Candy Company's holding company as part of the transaction.

About Ferrara^®
For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is a leading sugar confectioner in the United States and Brazil, with sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of more than 8,600 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 30+ popular brands like NERDS^®, Jelly Belly^® and SweeTARTS^® to more than 67 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products in Brazil. Ferrara's success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. The company has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, China, and Thailand that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero-affiliated company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.