Giovanni Ferrero has expanded his family's company beyond brands like Nutella and built a global powerhouse—especially through big acquisitions in the U.S.

Ferrero, the maker of Nutella, announces a $3.1 billion deal to acquire century-old cereal company WK Kellogg, expanding its North American breakfast and snack portfolio.

The $3.1 billion acquisition would combine Ferrero, which makes Tic Tacs and Nutella, with the producer of Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops.