Mars completes acquisition of premium chocolate brand Hotel Chocolat

Mars is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of Hotel Chocolat, one of the U.K.’s leading premium chocolate brands, bringing a much-loved brand into its portfolio.

In November 2023, Mars announced that it had reached agreement with Hotel Chocolat’s Board on the terms of the acquisition, subject to Hotel Chocolat shareholder and regulatory approvals. With the transaction now complete, Mars is well-positioned to support Hotel Chocolat’s next growth phase and provide the brand with an enhanced platform for growth, in the U.K. and potentially in new geographies.

Andrew Clarke, global president of Mars Snacking, said, “We are delighted to welcome Hotel Chocolat into the Mars stable of brands. Hotel Chocolat is a brand we have admired for many years, with its leading premium product offering, world-class quality, and deep omnichannel retail expertise. We are incredibly excited to partner with Angus and the rest of the Hotel Chocolat team to achieve further growth and success in the years ahead, building on our shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and purpose.”

Angus Thirlwell, chief executive officer and founder of Hotel Chocolat, said, “Today marks a new and exciting chapter in Hotel Chocolat’s history which will see us join the Mars family, bringing our premium brand to the global stage. We have found a true meeting of minds on Mars – built on strong cultural values similar to our own, bold strategy and long-term stewardship – and I look forward to seeing the business climb to new heights.”