Campbell's Soup 'begins sales negotiations with United Biscuits'
US food giant linked with £1.5bn move for United Biscuits
25 August 2010
Campbell's Soup is reportedly set to enter into sales negotiations with Britain's United Biscuits.
The UK food manufacturing company was only acquired by several private equity firms back in 2006.
However, according to Reuters, this coalition is now looking to offload United, with sales negotiations with Campbell, which is the largest soup-manufacturer in the world, the most-likely route they will take.
Indeed, a source familiar with developments on both sides of the Atlantic has served to confirm to the news agency that a recent report from the Sunday Times linking the US food giant to a £1.5 billion acquisition is accurate.
Despite this mounting speculation, neither firm has so far commented.
Reports of the possible deal comes as it is being reported that the global banking giant HSBC is eyeing up a deal which would see it take a controlling stake in South Africa's Nedbank for £4.5 billion.
It is anticipated that a formal offer could be tabled within the next few months as HSBC chief executive Michael Geoghegan looks to increase the bank's presence in emerging markets.