Ferrara Candy Company announced an agreement to acquire Jelly Belly Candy Company through CTH Invest, the lead holding company of Ferrara. The acquisition would combine Jelly Belly’s more than 100 flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans and specialty confections with Ferrara’s broad portfolio of candy.

When the acquisition closes, nearly 800 global Jelly Belly employees and the company’s facilities in California, Illinois and Thailand will join the Ferrara organization. Jeff Brown, who is currently the executive vice president of global operations and distribution of Jelly Belly, will become its chief executive officer.

“We are excited to bring Jelly Belly’s imaginative products and talented team into the Ferrara community,” said Marco Capurso, chief executive officer of Ferrara. “Our dedication to creating high-quality, innovative sugar confections for the world and our deep relationships with retailers aligns perfectly with the Jelly Belly track record and passion for quality, reliability and customer service. We look forward to working together to build on the success of all our brands.”

Jelly Belly Candy Company was founded in 1869, and its portfolio includes over 100 flavors of jelly beans along with other candies and specialty retail confections, including BeanBoozled jelly beans.

“Since our inception almost a century and a half ago, Jelly Belly Candy Company has been focused on providing exciting new flavors and continuous innovation, and we are extremely proud of the deep affinity we’ve built with our fans around the world,” said Lisa Brasher, president and chief executive officer of Jelly Belly. “Ferrara’s interest reflects the substantial value of our storied brand, built on our team’s many successes and the opportunity to drive continued growth. We look forward to being a part of this impressive company.”

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2023.