Core Viewpoint - Ferrero, known for brands like Nutella and Kinder, is acquiring WK Kellogg to expand its sales in North America, with a total transaction value of approximately $3.1 billion at $23 per share [1][12]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes six manufacturing plants and the marketing and distribution of breakfast cereal products in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean [1]. - WK Kellogg's stock rose by 31% during midday trading following the announcement of the acquisition [2]. - Kellogg's has a long history, founded in 1906, and produces iconic cereal brands such as Corn Flakes and Froot Loops [2][3]. Group 2: Kellogg's Current Operations - Kellogg's operates four factories in the U.S. located in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Nebraska, with additional factories in Mexico and Canada, employing around 3,000 people [3]. - The current Kellogg's company was established in 2023 after spinning off its snack brands into a new company called Kellanova [3]. Group 3: Market Challenges - WK Kellogg has struggled with a long-term decline in cereal consumption in the U.S., exacerbated by a shift in consumer preferences towards protein bars and other breakfast foods [6]. - Sales of cold cereal in the U.S. decreased by 6% compared to the same period in 2022, with Kellogg's net sales projected to drop by 2% to $2.7 billion in 2024 [7]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - The acquisition is attractive to Ferrero due to Kellogg's extensive distribution network and relationships with major retailers, which could enhance product pricing and shelf positioning [8]. - This move allows Ferrero to diversify its business from snacks and candies into the breakfast food sector, although it may lead to potential brand or factory closures [9]. Group 5: Future Considerations - The acquisition is subject to approval from Kellogg's shareholders and is expected to be completed in the second half of the year, after which Kellogg's will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange [12].

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content Core Viewpoints of the Report - The oat industry is in a high - growth stage, with China's oat market growing significantly from 2018 - 2023 and expected to continue growing from 2024 - 2028. Policy support, technological innovation, and increasing consumer health awareness are driving factors for market expansion. The adoption of probiotic fermentation technology may change the market competition landscape [9][31][34] Summary by Directory Market Background - Oatmeal can be divided into traditional, instant, quick - cooking, and steamed glutinous types according to processing methods and convenience of consumption. The oatmeal market has gone through a germination, startup, and high - growth stage, with continuous innovation in processing technology [4][6][7] - Oatmeal is a processed grain food rich in nutrients, and its production and sales are regulated by relevant national standards [5] Market Status - **Market Size**: From 2018 to 2023, the market size of the oatmeal industry in China increased from 4885 million yuan to 11398 million yuan, with a CAGR of 18.46%. It is expected to grow from 12898 million yuan to 15719 million yuan from 2024 to 2028, with a CAGR of 5.07% [9] - **Market Supply**: Driven by policy, technology, and demand, China's oat planting area and production are increasing. In 2024, the oat harvest area is expected to reach 405.0 thousand hectares, and China ranks among the top five globally [10] - **Market Demand**: The per - capita consumption of oats in China is approaching 1kg, with oatmeal accounting for 37.5% of oat product consumption. 94.6% of consumers are aged 18 - 55, and 61.7% of consumers prefer to eat oatmeal for breakfast [10][11] Market Competition - **Market Evaluation Dimensions**: The selection of top ten representative brands follows a multi - dimensional quantitative evaluation model, including product strength and innovation, supply chain control and cost efficiency, and brand influence and channel penetration [12] - **Market Competition Pattern**: The bone health probiotic industry has three echelons, but this seems not directly related to the oatmeal market competition described in other parts [17] - **Top Ten Brand Recommendations**: Brands such as Quaker, Westland, and others are recommended, each with unique product features, such as Quaker's functional oatmeal and Westland's organic full - industry chain products [19][20] Development Trends - **Policy - Driven Market Expansion**: China's grain production can meet the demand for dietary fiber, but residents' intake is insufficient. Oatmeal, as a popular healthy food, is expected to expand the market under policy support [31][33] - **New Competition Dimension**: Probiotic fermentation technology can improve the nutritional value and protein absorption rate of oats. If it is widely adopted in domestic production lines, whether oatmeal is "friendly to people intolerant to cereal protein" will become a new market competition dimension [34]