Brussels chocolate factory workers wonder who's chasing Godiva

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

BRUSSELS (AFP) — At the Brussels factory of Godiva chocolates, beloved of sweet tooths around the world, talk is of whether the quintessential Belgian brand is about to be sold for the first time in 40 years, by US firm Campbell soup.

Swiss firms Nestle and Lindt, both giants in the chocolate business, are among the companies rumoured to be interested in bringing the company's HQ back across the Atlantic.

However stateside the likes of Hershey, Mars and Wrigley may also find themselves waving a billion dollars at the naked lady brand, along with London-based Cadbury Schweppes.

Campbell Soup acquired Godiva in 1966 but this month announced it may be ready to sell up and concentrate on its core products, soup and snacks.

While the golden Godiva boxes...