UK-headquartered Premier Foods says it may be interested in the acquisition of new brands from either United Biscuits or the Campbell Soup Company.
Premier, which owns Ambrosia Custard and Branston Pickle, says it is "at a preliminary stage in evaluating a number of opportunities" but stressed this would not necessarily lead to the inking of a deal.
The privately-owned UB, based in the UK, makes a range of snacks including Jaffa Cakes, Penguin biscuits and Hula Hoops.
The US-headquartered Campbell announced in March that it was putting its British and Irish dry soup, stock cubes and sauces business up for sale. The company wants to focus on its businesses in North America and other international markets.
Analyst Sandy Soames believes that of the two possible targets, Premier would be more likely to deal with Campbell. Analysts are worried that acquiring UB's UK operations would be a financial stretch for Premier.
Data sourced from Financial Times Online; additional content by WARC staff
