Former exec of Mars candy subsidiary charged with stealing $28M from company
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Before his arrest Wednesday, Paul Steed was a respected sugar market expert for a subsidiary of famed candymaker Mars Inc. He served on a U.S. trade advisory committee for sweeteners as well as on industry group boards, while giving presentations at conferences. Now Steed, of Stamford, Connecticut, is accused in a […]
These six Va. billionaires made Forbes’ 2024 richest Americans list
Six Virginia billionaires are among the 400 richest Americans, according to Forbes’ annual ranking, which the media company released Tuesday. To make the Forbes 400 list, U.S. citizens had to have a minimum net worth of $3.3 billion — an increase of $400 million over 2023’s list. Collectively, the members of this elite club are […]
Mars to purchase Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts maker in $35.9B deal
Updated Aug. 16 McLean-based snack and pet care giant Mars announced Wednesday it has entered into a $35.9 billion, all-cash deal to purchase Kellanova, the maker of Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Pringles, Eggo and other food brands. Kellanova, created in October 2023 when Kellogg split into two companies, had 2023 net sales of more than $13 billion, […]
Mars acquires two veterinary diagnostics businesses
Mars has completed its acquisition of two veterinary diagnostics businesses based in France, the McLean-headquartered candy and pet care corporation announced Tuesday. Mars purchased Cerba HealthCare’s ownership stake in Cerba Vet, a network of six veterinary diagnostics laboratories in France, and Antagene, which provides DNA testing for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife, as well as […[...]
McLean mixed-use project, Mars expansion approved
As the third wealthiest community in the U.S., McLean is known for its luxurious mansions and classic suburban feel. That’s starting to change. In June 2021, Fairfax County supervisors adopted a plan, known as the McLean Community Business Center, to redevelop the town’s 230-acre downtown, bounded by Old Dominion Drive and Chain Bridge Road, to […]
Mars to acquire British chocolatier for $662M
A subsidiary of McLean-based international candy and pet food manufacturer Mars, the largest privately held company in Virginia, has agreed to acquire Britain’s Hotel Chocolat for $662 million, Mars announced Thursday. Bidco, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mars, will acquire Britain’s largest chocolate maker in a cash offer at 375 pence per share, or about $662 […]
Mars to acquire Colorado pet care company for $1.2B
McLean-based global candy and pet food manufacturer Mars Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Loveland, Colorado-based veterinary diagnostic and specialty product provider Heska Corp. in a deal valued at $1.2 billion, or $120 per share, the companies announced Monday. Heska will join Mars Petcare, expanding its science and diagnostics division. “This transaction […]
Mars Inc. names new CEO
McLean-based Mars Inc. will have a new CEO in September and the news comes at a time when the privately held global candy and pet food manufacturer is experiencing major growth. Grant F. Reid, who has served as CEO of Mars since 2014, will step down in September, with plans to fully retire by the […]
Va. companies aid Ukraine, pull business from Russia
McLean-based Mars Inc. and other companies with major Virginia presences are responding to the war between Russia and Ukraine, chiefly by helping employees who live in the Eastern European nation and sending other humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as suspending business dealings in Russia, a measure taken by many U.S. companies in recent days. […]
Mars Inc. pledges to go net zero by 2050
Mars Inc. has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its full value chain by 2050, the McLean-based global food manufacturer announced Tuesday. The pledge is in line with the Paris Agreement to reduce global warming. “The scale of global intervention must be bolder and faster,” Mars CEO Grant F. Reid said in a […]
Northrop Grumman wins $84.5M NASA contract
NASA announced Thursday it has awarded an $84.5 million contract to Falls Church-based Fortune 500 defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. to provide propulsion support and products for spaceflight missions. Under the Mars Ascent Propulsion System (MAPS) contract, Northrop Grumman will provide support and products at the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The [&h[...]