Giovanni Ferrero has expanded his family's company beyond brands like Nutella and built a global powerhouse—especially through big acquisitions in the U.S.

The $3.1 billion acquisition would combine Ferrero, which makes Tic Tacs and Nutella, with the producer of Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops.

The transaction marks the end of Battle Creek's run as a quintessential company town in Michigan, where the name "Kellogg" graces almost everything.