Ferrero rules out bidding for Cadbury

Italy's Ferrero has ruled out a rival bid for Cadbury Plc, clearing the way for Kraft Foods to complete its £11.7 billion proposed takeover of the British confectioner.

Fellow chocolate maker Hershey said last week it had no intention of bidding for Cadbury, so with Nestle already ruled out, Kraft appears on course to complete its recommended bid by the deadline of February 2. "Further to its announcement of November 18, 2009, Ferrero International SA confirms that it does not intend to make an offer for Cadbury," the Italian group said in a statement yesterday.

Last week Kraft agreed a cash and shares deal that at the time valued Cadbury shares at 840 pence, with Cadbury shareholders also promised a 10p a share dividend.

Shareholders in Cadbury have until 13.00 GMT on February 2 to accept the Kraft offer, and with the deal already recommended by the Cadbury board and no obvious rival bidders seen entering the battle, analysts expect the Kraft takeover to go through.

In a separate announcement, Kraft said Cadbury shareholders who elect to receive extra cash under a mix and match facility will receive 799p rather than the current 827p under the cash and shares offer, and 3,195p per Cadbury ADS compared to 3,308p.