Mandelson fails to win Cadbury jobs guarantee

Wed Feb 3 2010 06:35:54

Lord Mandelson said he was "disappointed" after Cadbury's new US owner was unable to confirm the chocolate maker's brands would still be run from the UK.

The Business Secretary met Kraft chairman Irene Rosenfeld on Tuesday night, a few hours after the US food giant won its battle for control of Cadbury.

Lord Mandelson said: "I was disappointed that she was unable to confirm that Cadbury's confectionery brands will continue to be managed and operated globally out of the UK.

"On the other hand she said that she expects Britain to be a net gainer in manufacturing output and employment so that was encouraging, but what we've got to do now is to remain in close touch."

He added: "I'm glad now to be in personal touch but what I will be looking for are much harder, more specific commitments in the next three to six months."

Kraft's successful battle for Cadbury shareholder approval heralds the end of the iconic British firm's 186-year history as an independent company.

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