As of September 3, 2025, Kellogg’s cereal business is owned by two separate companies, split by geography. In North America, the cereals are owned and marketed by WK Kellogg Co (NYSE: KLG).
Outside North America, the cereals business is owned and marketed by Kellanova (NYSE: K)—the former Kellogg Company’s global snacks-led successor—which stewards the Kellogg’s cereal portfolio internationally.
In July 2025, Ferrero (the Nutella/Kinder maker) agreed to acquire WK Kellogg Co for $3.1 billion; that deal is pending shareholder and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in H2 2025.
Ownership Status of Kellogg’s cereal brands
| Shareholder / Owner | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WK Kellogg Co (North America cereals) | 100% (within North America) | Owns/markets Kellogg’s cereals in the U.S., Canada (and related NA markets) (e.g., Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies, Special K, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes). Agreed to be acquired by Ferrero for $23/share ($3.1 billion EV); closing targeted H2 2025, subject to approvals and a shareholder vote. Until closing, WK Kellogg Co remains the owner. |
| Kellanova (International cereals) | 100% (outside North America) | Owns/markets Kellogg’s-branded cereals internationally (e.g., Frosties, Coco Pops, Crunchy Nut, Special K, Miel Pops), alongside its global snacks portfolio (Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Eggo, etc.) |
| Kellogg’s™ brand name (trademark) | — | Use of the Kellogg’s “house mark” is governed by a Master Ownership & License Agreement between WK Kellogg Co and Kellanova. In short, each company has territory-specific rights to use the Kellogg’s brand on its cereal products (North America vs. international), with cross-licenses and restrictions spelled out in SEC-filed agreements. |
Update in progress: Ferrero’s acquisition of WK Kellogg Co (North America cereals) was announced July 10, 2025 and is pending as of today; WK Kellogg scheduled a special shareholder meeting for Sept 19, 2025 and filed the required HSR paperwork in August. Ownership will change to Ferrero only after the deal closes.
Who owns Kellogg’s cereal brands now? About the Owner(s)
WK Kellogg Co (North America)
WK Kellogg Co became a standalone public company on October 2, 2023, when the old Kellogg Company completed the separation of its North American cereal business. The portfolio includes icons like Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (Tony the Tiger), Froot Loops (Toucan Sam), Rice Krispies (Snap! Crackle! Pop!), Special K, Raisin Bran and Corn Flakes.
The company is headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan, with Gary Pilnick as CEO. On July 10, 2025, Ferrero and WK Kellogg Co announced a definitive agreement for Ferrero to acquire 100% of WK Kellogg Co for $23 per share in cash (EV $3.1 billion); upon closing, KLG shares would be delisted and WK Kellogg would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrero.
Kellanova (International)
Kellanova—the renamed remnant of the original Kellogg Company—retained the global snacks portfolio (e.g., Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Eggo) and continues to own/market Kellogg’s-branded cereals outside North America (e.g., Frosties, Coco Pops, Crunchy Nut, Special K). Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois. CEO: Steve Cahillane.
Ferrero (pending acquirer of WK Kellogg Co)
Ferrero International S.A. is a privately held Italian confectionery group (brands include Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, Ferrero Rocher). The WK Kellogg Co deal—announced July 10, 2025—is expected to close in H2 2025, pending shareholder approval and customary regulatory clearances. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust and the Gund family agreed to vote ~21.7% of shares in favor.
Kellogg’s cereal brands Company Overview
The Kellogg’s cereal family spans decades of brand equity—from Corn Flakes and Rice Krispies to modern Special K line extensions and region-specific favorites like Coco Pops and Crunchy Nut. Since the 2023 separation, consumers in the U.S. and Canada buy cereals made by WK Kellogg Co, while consumers outside North America buy cereals made by Kellanova. Both companies use the Kellogg’s name under a set of brand IP and cross-license agreements that allocate rights by territory and product scope.
Recent Developments in Kellogg’s cereal brands Ownership
- Oct 2, 2023: Kellogg Company completed the spin-off, creating two independents: WK Kellogg Co (North America cereals) and Kellanova (global snacks + international cereals).
- Jul 10, 2025: Ferrero announced a definitive agreement to acquire WK Kellogg Co for $3.1 billion ($23/share). Upon closing, WK Kellogg Co will become private under Ferrero and KLG will be delisted. As of today, the transaction is pending; a special shareholder meeting is slated for Sept 19, 2025, and HSR filings were made Aug 5, 2025.
FAQs
Q: Who owns Kellogg’s cereal brands in the U.S. and Canada?
WK Kellogg Co owns and markets Kellogg’s cereals in North America. It has agreed to be acquired by Ferrero, but until that deal closes, WK Kellogg Co remains the owner.
Q: Who owns Kellogg’s cereal brands outside North America?
Kellanova owns and markets Kellogg’s cereals internationally (e.g., Frosties, Coco Pops, Crunchy Nut, Special K).
Q: Who owns the “Kellogg’s” name now?
Use of the Kellogg’s trademark is split by territory under a Master Ownership & License Agreement between WK Kellogg Co. and Kellanova. Each company has defined rights to use the house mark in its footprint.
Q: Will the U.S./Canada cereal brands change owner in 2025?
If the Ferrero–WK Kellogg Co transaction closes as expected in H2 2025, Ferrero will become the owner of the North American Kellogg’s cereal business; international cereals remain with Kellanova.
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