MILAN (Reuters) - Nutella maker Ferrero has been shortlisted to take part in the second round of Campbell Soup Co's (N:CPB) auction of its international business, a source with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday.
The Italian confectionery group is competing with U.S. food companies Kraft Heinz Co (O:KHC) and Mondelez International Inc (O:MDLZ).
Private equity firms Bain Capital LP, KKR (N:KKR) and FinTrek Capital Hong Kong Ltd were also admitted to the second round of bids, sources told Reuters last month, adding the sale could fetch close to $3 billion (£2.3 billion).
The international portfolio of Campbell Soup includes its Australian biscuit brand Arnott's and Danish baked snacks maker Kelsen Group.
"Ferrero, which has already a plant in Australia, is interested in Arnott's brand and factories," the source said.
Ferrero declined to comment on the issue.