It’s one of the best known global brands, with roots right here in Central Pennsylvania.
The Hershey Co. also is turning out to be one of the most coveted brands, with overtures from Illinois-based Mondelez International only the latest in a number of possible buyers to make a pitch over the past 14 years. Here is what you need to know from the CPBJ archives as we continue our coverage of the candy company’s future — and that of The Hershey Trust Co., with which its fate has been so closely intertwined.
Buzz continues, but Mondelez stays mum on Hershey
July 25, 2016 — Buzz continues to surround Mondelez International and whether the Illinois snack maker might make another pitch for The Hershey Co. Continue reading
Reports: Hershey Trust reaches overhaul deal with AG’s office
July 25, 2016 — The Hershey Trust Co. reaches a deal with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office over changes to the trust’s governance and compensation; formal details yet to be finalized or released. Continue reading
The future of Hershey Co.: Does chocolate still run Chocolate Town?
July 22, 2016 — A Hershey sale might not cause as much disruption today as it might have in years past, as the company has a smaller presence today than it did a decade ago. Continue reading
Our view: Changes insulate town from affects of would-be sale
July 22, 2016 — There is simply too much value in Hershey and its brands for would-be corporate suitors to keep their hands off, but fears of what this would mean are misplaced. Continue reading
Report: Hershey Trust under pressure from AG’s office; Mondelez still seeking deal
July 14, 2016 — Talks between the Hershey Trust Co. and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office over governance reforms continue, while talk of a Hershey Co. buyout is not dead. Continue reading
Founded: 1894 by Milton S. Hershey as the Hershey Chocolate Co.
Headquarters: Derry Township (aka Hershey, Pennsylvania).
CEO: John P. Bilbrey.
COO: Michele Buck.
Revenue: $7.4 billion (2014).
Products: In addition to its iconic Kisses and Hershey bars, the company also manufactures a range of confections including the Reese’s line. Hershey also holds the rights to manufacture Cadbury chocolate products in the U.S., even though the brand is owned by competitor Mondelez.
Employees: About 21,000 worldwide, 4,315 in greater Hershey as of 2015.
Locations: In addition to locations in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee and Virginia, Hershey has operations in Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and South Korea.
Stock: Hershey trades on the New York Stock Exchange (HSY).
Source: Staff research, including the Hershey Co. website.
Did Mondelez send Chicago Oreo jobs to Mexico?
July 14, 2016 — The Illinois-based snack company that recently offered to buy The Hershey Co. has been making headlines after ending Oreo cookie production in its own backyard. Continue reading
Hershey Trust board member resigns
July 11, 2016 — Just over a week after The Hershey Co. dismissed a takeover bid from snack giant Mondelez International, a member of the chocolate company’s controlling trust has stepped down, but no reason was given for Joan Steel’s exit. Continue reading
Analysts suggest Hershey’s ‘no’ may not dissuade Mondelez
July 5, 2016 — The Hershey Co. may have fended off a takeover proposal from Mondelez International, but analysts suggest we may not have heard the last of it. Continue reading
Mondelez: A look at Hershey’s suitor
June 30, 2016 — Let’s take a closer look at the Illinois-based company that put in a bid to take over Pennsylvania’s famous chocolate maker. Continue reading
