Ferrero is in the closing stages of acquiring Belgian biscuit brand Delacre from United Biscuits.

The deal, which is for an undisclosed sum, is expected to be completed by the middle of December.

The agreement would help Ferrero reduce the dependency on brands Ferrero Rocher and Kinder by opening up the biscuit market.

Ferrero confirmed the offer in a statement to British Baker: “A Ferrero-affiliated entity has made an offer to acquire the manufacturers of Delacre and Delichoc biscuits, N.V. Biscuits Delacre S.A. and United Biscuits Industries SAS (together “Delacre”), from United Biscuits.

“The relevant worker council consultations have been completed and the offer is now subject to a competition review in line with standard procedures and steps for a transaction of this nature.”

Ferrero has been aiming to grow its brand for the past year after acquiring British chocolatier Thornton’s in a £112m takeover.