Brands
Mars swallows Kellanova in a $36 billion snacking supernova
VIRGINIA & CHICAGO: It’s official: Mars has finally polished off Kellanova. The McLean-based confectionery colossus announced on 11 December that it had completed its acquisition of the snacking empire, uniting chocolate bars with cheese crackers and marshmallow treats in what might be history’s most delicious corporate marriage.
The deal, worth a cool $36 billion when announced in August 2024, transforms Mars from a mere candy titan into a full-spectrum snacking superpower. Mars Snacking global president Andrew Clarke could barely contain his excitement. “Today marks a transformative moment,” he gushed, presumably whilst munching on a Snickers-Pringles combo.
The newly supersized Mars Snacking now boasts a portfolio that reads like a convenience store’s greatest hits. Kellanova’s billion-dollar brands—Pringles, Cheez-It and Kellogg’s cereals—will cosy up alongside Mars stalwarts like M&M’s, Snickers, Twix and Skittles. Add in the health-conscious pretenders RXBAR, Kind and Nutri-Grain bars, and you’ve got every dietary persuasion covered.
The family-owned Mars, which also peddles pet food through Royal Canin and Pedigree, now commands a $65 billion empire with over 170,000 associates worldwide. That’s a lot of mouths to feed—and even more mouths to feed snacks to.
Kellanova shareholders gave their blessing in November, regulators rubber-stamped the deal on 8 December, and Bob’s your uncle: instant snacking supremacy. The combined beast will serve “more consumers globally,” which is corporate-speak for “we’re coming for your cupboards.”
One thing’s certain: whether you fancy savoury, sweet, crunchy or chewy, Mars now owns your cravings. And with 50,000-plus snacking associates plotting innovations, resistance is futile. The munchies monopoly has arrived—and it’s absolutely famished.
Brands
Hyundai Venue crosses 1 lakh bookings, adds HX8 Diesel AT variant
New top-spec automatic diesel trim brings ventilated seats, OTA updates and paddle shifters.
MUMBAI: Hyundai Venue just hit the jackpot and upgraded the prize because when you cross 1 lakh bookings, you don’t just celebrate, you throw in paddle shifters and ventilated seats for the ride. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced that the all-new Hyundai Venue has achieved 1 lakh bookings, cementing its strong position in the compact SUV segment. To mark the milestone and further enhance customer choice, the company introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant.
The HX8 Diesel AT is powered by the proven U2 1.5L CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It adds a host of premium comfort, safety and convenience features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-tone leatherette seats with VENUE branding
- Electric 4-way driver seat adjust
- Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Rear disc brakes
- Ambient lighting on crash pad and central console
- Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
- Traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow)
- Paddle shifters
HMIL, managing director & CEO Tarun Garg said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 1 lakh bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience.”
Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the Venue continues to appeal to buyers seeking a feature-rich, comfortable and future-ready compact SUV. The new variant reinforces HMIL’s focus on delivering advanced technology, safety, comfort and value while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
In a segment where bookings are the real horsepower, Hyundai isn’t just counting milestones, it’s handing drivers an automatic upgrade that makes every journey feel like the victory lap.
