Italian confectioner Ferrero, known for brands like Nutella and Kinder, is buying the century-old U.S. cereal company WK Kellogg in an effort to expand its North American sales.

WK Kellogg Co’s headquarters is in Battle Creek. After the transaction closes, Battle Creek will remain a core location for the company and will be Ferrero’s headquarters for North America cereal, a news release from WK Kellogg states.

Michigan's WK Kellogg Co., the cereal giant, is set to be acquired by the Italian candymaker behind Ferrero Rocher in a nearly $3 billion deal, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. A deal with parent Ferrero SpA, the maker of Butterfinger candy bars and Nutella hazelnut spread, could be finalized as soon as this week, according to reports.

Battle Creek staple WK Kellogg, maker of Kellogg’s cereal brands and other breakfast foods, could soon be owned by Italian chocolate maker Ferrero – a $3 billion deal that could be finalized as soon as this week.

Kellogg Kickstart program will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, running from July 8 through Aug. 14.