Linklaters advises Perfetti Van Melle on its US$1.35bn acquisition of Mondelez’s chewing gum business

Linklaters has advised Perfetti Van Melle, the owner of confectionary brands such as Chupa Chups and Mentos, on its US$1.35bn acquisition of Mondelez’s developed-market gum business in the United States, Canada and Europe.

The deal, which was signed at Linklaters New York office, will see Perfetti Van Melle add gum brands including Trident, Dentyne, Stimorol and Hollywood to its portfolio. It represents the largest ever M&A deal for Perfetti Van Melle and is one of the largest consumer sector M&A transactions of 2022 in the US and Europe.

The deal closed on 1st October 2023.

A combined Linklaters team from Milan, London and New York was led by corporate partners Roberto Casati and Michael Fanner, together with managing associates Meila Burgess and Matteo Tabellini. The team also included TMT partner Marly Didizian, IP partner Yohan Liyanage, Tax partner Chris Smale and AFIG partners Tom McGrath and Lucio D’Amario.

Roberto Casati, partner at Linklaters, commented:

“We’re delighted to have been able to help Perfetti Van Melle sign what we hope will be a transformational deal for them.”

Michael Fanner, partner at Linklaters, added:

“The transaction showcased Linklaters’ market-leading expertise in complex, cross-border carve-out transactions, whether acting on the buy-side or the sell-side.”