A closer look at candy makers Mars and Wrigley

[September 26, 2008]  (AP)  Shareholders of chewing-gum maker Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. approved the company's $23 billion sale to Mars Inc., paving the way for the formation of the world's largest candy maker.

Here's a look at the two companies:

Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., a publicly traded company with strong ties to the founding Wrigley family. Net sales were $5.39 billion during the most recent fiscal year.

Employees: More than 14,000

Headquarters: Chicago

Founded: 1891

Brands: Gum brands, including Doublemint, Big Red, Extra, Juicy Fruit, Orbit and Eclipse, along with hard candy Altoids and Lifesavers.

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Mars Inc., a family-owned company whose global net sales are about $22 billion.

Employees: 48,000

Headquarters: McLean, Va.

Founded: 1911

Brands: Candy brands, such as Snickers, Twix, M&Ms, Starburst and Skittles, along with Pedigree and Whiskas pet food and Uncle Ben's rice.

[Associated Press]

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