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 European confectionery giant behind Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, is set to acquire WK Kellogg Co., the maker of classic American cereals, according to a press release issued Thursday.

The Ferrero Group, a confectionery giant behind brands like Nutella and Kinder, is making a bold move to expand its North America footprint by acquiring WK Kellogg Co KLG for $3.1 billion. The all-cash deal,