STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-Cadbury edges up ahead of Kraft deadline

Cadbury (CBRY.L) shares edge up 0.5 percent to 761-1/2 pence in early trade as the 1700 GMT Monday deadline approaches for Kraft (KFT.N) to make its formal takeover bid for the British confectionery group or walk away for six months.

Kraft made its initial cash and shares approach for Cadbury at 745p a share, or 10.2 billion pounds, in early September, but the fall in Kraft shares and the dollar now make the offer currently worth 714p.

"We expect Kraft to formalise its bid today, but few expect a knockout bid and this battle could go on well into 2010," one analyst says.

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Reuters messaging rm://david.jones.reuters.com@reuters.net