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Mondelēz International has completed the sale of its developed-market gum business in the US, Canada and Europe (excluding Portugal) to Perfetti Van Melle Group, a global gum and confectionery manufacturer. The transaction marks a significant step in Mondelēz's portfolio reshaping strategy, with a focus on core categories including chocolate, biscuits and baked snacks. The agreement includes the transfer of manufacturing facilities in Rockford, Illinois, and Skarbimierz, Poland, along with a range of well-known gum brands, such as Trident, Dentyne, Stimorol, Hollywood, V6, Chiclets, Bubbaloo and Bubbalicious. European candy brands, including Cachou Lajaunie and La Vosgienne, are also part of the deal. Mondelēz will retain its gum business in Portugal temporarily, pending regulatory clearance from the Portuguese Competition Authority. Once approval is secured, the Portugal segment of the business will be sold and transferred to Perfetti Van Melle Group. Dirk Van de Put, chairman and CEO of Mondelēz, said: “As we continue accelerating growth to become the global snacking leader in chocolate, biscuits and baked snacks, we are pleased to transition our developed market gum business to a global, privately owned, values-driven company with a strong and proven track record of brand investment and innovation. We are incredibly proud of the talented colleagues who made these brands so successful, and we wish them all the best as they join the Perfetti Van Melle team.” Egidio Perfetti, chairman of Perfetti Van Melle Group, added: “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic goal of becoming a global leader in gum, our chosen focus. We expect to further bolster our product portfolio, manufacturing capacity, market distribution and financial results, effectively doubling our size in North America and increasing our reach in Europe, serving more consumers with our well-loved brands." Mondelēz will continue to operate its gum business outside the US, Canada and Europe, with a focus on the Chinese market – led by the Stride brand – along with its other candy brands and products.