Ferrara announced Wednesday that it would acquire Jelly Belly for an undisclosed amount of money.
The privately-owned Ferrara already churns out Nerds, Lemonheads and SweeTarts, along with gummy brands Trolli and Black Forest.
Herman Rowland, Jelly Belly chairman of the board of directors, said in a statement that Ferrara is a "likeminded" candy company that will grow the brand. Rowland also mentioned that it would be a "win-win" for employees. According to a news release about the acquisition, once the deal closes, nearly 800 Jelly Belly employees globally and in California and Illinois will join the Ferrara organization.
Jelly Belly was founded in 1869 near St. Louis as the Goelitz Confectionery Company, which was known for its candy corn. In 1976 the company began its jelly bean endeavors.