Switzerland-based chocolate manufacturer Chocolat Frey has bought a majority stake in US candy maker SweetWorks, for an undisclosed sum.
Headquartered in Buffalo, New York, SweetWorks runs a production facility in the region, and has a workforce of around 200.
The company offers a range of chocolate and chewing gum products under Sixlets, Celebration by SweetWorks, Oak Leaf, Ovation and Niagara Chocolates brands.
SweetWorks also operates Oak Leaf Confections, a subsidiary based in Toronto, Ontario, and employs around 250 people there.
The acquisition is part of Chocolat Frey's strategy to strengthen its presence in the US and Canada.
Following the transaction, SweetWorks' production facilities and staff operations will continue as usual as an independent group of companies.
SweetWorks current owner and CEO Philip Terranova will assume the role of president.
North American activities of both the companies will be merged into a single entity.
