Key Stats
Mars Incorporated stands as one of the world’s largest privately-held food manufacturers, creating iconic brands that span confectionery, pet care, and food products. The family-owned enterprise operates six distinct business segments serving consumers across more than 80 countries worldwide.
The company produces beloved chocolate brands including Snickers, M&Ms, Milky Way, and Twix, while its pet care division manages popular brands like Pedigree and Whiskas. Mars also owns the Wrigley gum business and maintains significant operations in rice, sauces, and health-focused food products.
With over 140,000 employees globally, Mars Incorporated maintains its commitment to remaining privately owned by the Mars family across four generations. The company has built a reputation for secrecy while developing some of the most recognizable consumer brands in history.
Mars Incorporated History
Mars Incorporated Co-founders
Mars Incorporated Competitors
Mars Incorporated competes across multiple categories including chocolate confectionery, pet food, chewing gum, and packaged foods. The competitive landscape features both multinational corporations and specialized regional players targeting similar consumer segments.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Category |
|---|---|---|
| Hershey Company | Hershey, Pennsylvania | Chocolate Confectionery |
| Mondelez International | Chicago, Illinois | Snacks & Confectionery |
| Nestle | Vevey, Switzerland | Food & Beverage |
| Ferrero Group | Alba, Italy | Chocolate & Confectionery |
| Lindt & Sprungli | Kilchberg, Switzerland | Premium Chocolate |
| General Mills | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Packaged Foods |
| Purina (Nestle) | St. Louis, Missouri | Pet Food |
| Blue Buffalo | Wilton, Connecticut | Premium Pet Food |
| Perfetti Van Melle | Lainate, Italy | Confectionery & Gum |
| Lotte Confectionery | Seoul, South Korea | Confectionery |
Mars Incorporated Revenue
Mars Incorporated generates substantial annual revenue as one of the largest privately-held companies globally. The family-owned structure limits public financial disclosure, though the company reports revenue exceeding $45 billion across its six business divisions.
Mars Incorporated Acquisitions
Mars Incorporated has pursued strategic acquisitions to expand market presence and diversify product portfolios across confectionery, pet care, and food categories. The company’s acquisition strategy emphasizes long-term value creation rather than short-term financial gains, reflecting its private ownership structure.
The 1967 acquisition of Masterfoods marked Mars’s expansion beyond candy into broader food categories. Founded by the Lewis family in Australia in 1949, Masterfoods brought established food brands and manufacturing capabilities. This acquisition established Mars as a diversified food company rather than solely a confectionery manufacturer, laying groundwork for future category expansion.
In June 2007, Mars purchased Doane Petcare Company, dramatically strengthening its position in the American dry pet food market. This acquisition complemented existing pet care brands like Pedigree and Whiskas, allowing Mars to offer comprehensive pet nutrition solutions across wet and dry food segments. The transaction reflected growing consumer spending on premium pet products.
The most significant acquisition came in April 2008 when Mars, partnering with Berkshire Hathaway, acquired Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company for $23 billion. This all-cash transaction brought iconic chewing gum brands including Wrigley’s, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, and Orbit under Mars control. The deal created the world’s largest confectionery company with projected combined sales exceeding $27 billion annually.
The Wrigley acquisition transformed Mars into a dominant force across multiple confectionery categories. While competitors like Hershey and Nestle maintained strong chocolate positions, Mars now commanded leadership in both chocolate and chewing gum markets. The integration proved successful due to complementary distribution networks and shared retailer relationships.
Mars also divested non-core businesses to sharpen strategic focus. In 2006, the company sold Mars Electronics International, which manufactured coin mechanisms and bill validators for vending machines. This divestiture allowed Mars to concentrate resources on food and pet care operations where the company maintained competitive advantages and stronger growth prospects.
The company’s acquisition approach differs from publicly-traded competitors. Mars can pursue acquisitions based on strategic fit and long-term potential without quarterly earnings pressure. This patient capital advantage enabled Mars to integrate Wrigley successfully over several years while maintaining both brand portfolios and avoiding hasty cost-cutting that might damage brand equity.
Mars Incorporated Marketcap
Mars Incorporated operates as a privately-held family business and does not trade on public exchanges. The company has no market capitalization, as this metric applies exclusively to publicly-traded corporations with shares available for investor purchase.
FAQs
When was Mars Incorporated founded?
Mars Incorporated was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars in Tacoma, Washington. The modern company took shape in 1920 when Frank Mars established Mar-O-Bar Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Who owns Mars Incorporated?
The Mars family owns Mars Incorporated as a privately-held company. The business has remained under family ownership for four generations since Frank C. Mars founded the company in 1911.
What brands does Mars Incorporated own?
Mars owns Snickers, M&Ms, Milky Way, Twix, Skittles, Wrigley’s gum, Orbit, Pedigree, Whiskas, Uncle Ben’s rice, and numerous other confectionery, pet food, and food brands across six business segments.
How much did Mars pay for Wrigley?
Mars Incorporated, together with Berkshire Hathaway, paid $23 billion in cash to acquire Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company in 2008, making Mars the world’s largest confectionery company.
Where is Mars Incorporated headquarters located?
Mars Incorporated headquarters is located in McLean, Virginia, United States. The company operates manufacturing facilities and offices in over 80 countries worldwide with more than 140,000 employees globally.
