LONDON (AP) -- Kraft Foods Inc. is poised to launch a hostile bid for British candy maker Cadbury PLC, The Observer said Sunday, citing unnamed sources.
Kraft earlier this month made a $16.7 billion stock-and-cash proposal that was rebuffed by the U.K. confectionary company. Cadbury has repeatedly said it is not interested in a takeover but the U.S. food maker has said it remains focused on continuing negotiations.
According to the London paper, Kraft is valuing Cadbury at 11 billion pounds, or about $17.45 billion.
The U.K. takeover panel is expected to set a deadline soon for Kraft to put a firm offer on the table or walk away for at least six months. The company is reportedly putting the final touches on a financing package, which would enable it to offer about half the package in cash and half in stock.
Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft could not be reached for comment Sunday.