Kellogg, the maker of such brands as Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and Raisin Bran, began business in 1906 as the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Co., before becoming Kellogg Toasted Corn Flake Co. in 1909.

US sales of the colorfully packaged morning staple have been in a decades-long decline, a trend back in the spotlight with news that Italian confectioner Ferrero Group plans to purchase WK Kellogg, maker of Corn Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and other familiar brands.

This deal continues Ferrero's track record of acquiring and growing well-known brands to strengthen its North American presence.

WK Kellogg Co. jumped nearly 30% on July 10 following the announcement from Italian food leader Ferrero regarding a $3.1 billion acquisition, inclusive of debt.

General Mills and Hormel teamed up to release Cinnamon Toast Crunch-flavored bacon last fall, a sweet-and-savory first for the Minnesota companies. Now the brand-boosting fun has mutated into another bacon-y creation. The newest mashup between the food giants flips the formula, imbuing smoky bacon flavors into bags of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

The Ferrero Group has agreed to acquire WK Kellogg Co for $23 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value of $3.1 billion, WK Kellogg said in a news release. RELATED: Kellogg’s reportedly set to sell 119-year-old cereal company in $3B deal

WK Kellogg Co. shares are up nearly 50% after a report that Italy's Ferrero Rocher and Nutella maker is [nearing a $3 billion deal](