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This case comprises two parts. In "Kraft Foods Inc. and Cadbury PLC - Part A - A Nutritious Association?", an investor wonders whether the acquisition of Cadbury is based on sound business sense and whether it will be beneficial to him as a Kraft Foods shareholder. He also puzzles over the value of the mixed payment offered to Cadbury's shareholders. Details are provided about Kraft Foods's activities and businesses, followed by a description of Cadbury. Each company's historical financial statements are appended. Kraft Foods's rationale for the acquisition is provided, together with the structure of the original and final offers. "Kraft Foods Inc. and Cadbury PLC - Part B - A Sweet Divorce?", which focuses on the subsequent "demerger" of the Snacks division less than two years later, can be analyzed in its own right as a second step. Alternatively, the instructor can use it as a conclusion to highlight points related to strategy and disclosure or to the ex-post measurement of synergy effects.

This case comprises two parts. In "Kraft Foods Inc. and Cadbury PLC - Part A - A Nutritious Association?", an investor wonders whether the acquisition of Cadbury is based on sound business sense and whether it will be beneficial to him as a Kraft Foods shareholder. He also puzzles over the value of the mixed payment offered to Cadbury's shareholders. Details are provided about Kraft Foods's activities and businesses, followed by a description of Cadbury. Each company's historical financial statements are appended. Kraft Foods's rationale for the acquisition is provided, together with the structure of the original and final offers. "Kraft Foods Inc. and Cadbury PLC - Part B - A Sweet Divorce?", which focuses on the subsequent "demerger" of the Snacks division less than two years later, can be analyzed in its own right as a second step. Alternatively, the instructor can use it as a conclusion to highlight points related to strategy and disclosure or to the ex-post measurement of synergy effects.

The case is set in early 2010, a few weeks after Agrium, a large fertilizer manufacturer and distributor, put an end to its attempt to acquire CF Industries Holdings, another fertilizer company. The attempt itself was initiated early in 2009, and the last offer made by Agrium was dated November 2009. The leader of Agrium's M&A task force wants to review the doomed offer in order to determine whether a mistake was made in terms of either the valuation or deal structure, or whether the target was just unreasonably demanding. Industry and company background is provided, together with a summary of the initial offer and subsequent revisions. An Excel file and maps accompany the case. In addition to comparative financial analysis and equity valuation, this case provides the opportunity to discuss and evaluate synergy effects, acquisition premia and forms of payment.