Mars Inc. acquires healthy snack company

McLean candy manufacturer buys Kind North America

Published November 19, 2020 by Sydney Lake

McLean-based global food product manufacturer Mars Inc. announced Tuesday it has acquired healthy snack manufacturer Kind North America. 

Transaction details were not disclosed. 

Mars is the largest private company in Virginia. With annual sales of more than $35 billion, the candy and food manufacturer produces brands such as Snickers, M&Ms and Pedigree pet foods. Founded in 2004, Kind offers more than 100 snack products that contain nuts, grains and fruit. Kind will continue to operate as a separate business unit, according to Mars.

The acquisition follows a three-year partnership of the two brands that brought Kind products to more than 35 countries.

“When we began this partnership, I said it was one built on mutual admiration and a shared vision for growth. After three years, you can see the impact, as together we have grown the healthy snacking category and brought Kind and the Kind Promise to 35 countries and into new categories,” Mars CEO Grant F. Reid said in a statement. “We’re delighted to continue to build on this success and welcome Kind North America into the Mars family of companies.”

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