The Kellogg cereal business, an iconic Michigan brand, is being sold to Ferrero, an Italian chocolate and sweets company.

Italy's Ferrero has continued its U.S. spending spree with its proposed acquisition of famous cereal maker WK Kellogg amid wider food manufacturer consolidation.

The deal, which still needs approval from WK Kellogg Co.’s shareholders, is expected to close in the second half of the year.

WK Kellogg Co’s headquarters is in Battle Creek. After the transaction closes, Battle Creek will remain a core location for the company and will be Ferrero’s headquarters for North America cereal, a news release from WK Kellogg states.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — WK Kellogg was purchased by Italian candy manufacturer, Ferrero, on Thursday. Ferrero purchased the food distributor for $3.1 billion.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WILX) - Ferrero Rocher, the Italian candy company and Nutella owner, is close to purchasing Michigan cereal company WK Kellogg, reports the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ reported Wednesday that the $3 billion deal could be finalized this week. CNBC reported that WK Kellogg shares jumped 50% after the WSJ article.

Kellogg, the maker of such brands as Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and Raisin Bran, began business in 1906 as the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Co., before becoming Kellogg Toasted Corn Flake Co. in 1909.

A two-vehicle crash claimed the life of a Battle Creek man in Marshall Township early Thursday morning. At around 6:20 a.m., the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Verona Road and H Drive in Marshall Township.