UPDATE 1-Kraft faces tougher Cadbury pitch, bid seen Monday

Wed Nov 4, 2009 7:27pm GMT
 
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* Kraft expected to formalize existing bid on Monday

* Q3 results disappoint Kraft investors

* Kraft loan will help it raise cash in offer

* Cadbury shares dip 1.4 pct, Kraft down 2.8 pct (Recasts with details on timing, analyst comments; updates shares)

By David Jones and Jessica Hall

LONDON/PHILADELPHIA, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Kraft Foods Inc (KFT.N) faces a tougher task winning over Cadbury Plc (CBRY.L) shareholders after disappointing results reinforced the view that it will formalize its existing offer for the British chocolatier next week rather than present a higher bid.

An announcement formalizing Kraft's current offer is expected on Monday, under a deadline set by the UK Takeover Panel, one source familiar with the situation told Reuters. The source could not be identified by name because he was not authorized to speak with the media.

Kraft is unlikely to raise its offer or change the cash-and-stock mix of the bid at this time because it faces no rival suitors for Cadbury, said the source familiar with the situation, who cautioned that plans could still be altered, before or after Monday.

"Formalizing the bid is just a starting point," said the source. "Anything could change after that."  Continued...

 

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