KANSAS CITY — A Swiss chocolate maker says it is buying iconic U.S. candy manufacturer Russell Stover Ccandies for an undisclosed sum. The purchase provides a unique opportunity for the Swiss company to expand its North American chocolate business, said Ernst Tanner, CEO of the Geneva-based Lindt & Spruengli. He said the deal will make it the number-3 chocolate manufacturer in North America. The Kansas City-based Russell Stover also owns the Whitman’s brand. It has four factories including one in Iola, in Allen County. Russell Stover has about 2,700 employees and annual sales of around $500 million.
Tuesday, July 15, 4 p.m.
