Hershey is one of several companies battling to purchase boxed chocolate-maker Russell Stover, in a move that could become its biggest acquisition to date, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
Hershey, which is known for its iconic chocolate bars, has submitted a $1 billion offer for the family-owned company, WSJ said citing sources familiar with the matter.
Last year, the Pennsylvania-based Kit-Kat-maker acquired a Chinese chocolate company for $584 million, according the report.
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Godiva owner, Yildiz Holding, and a host of private equity firms have also submitted bids for the company.
Russell Stover, the third-largest chocolate producer based on U.S. sales, has hired Goldman Sachs to help it in its quest for a buyer, the report said.
The firm is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and has about 4,500 employees.
Hershey shares dropped about 1 percent in after-hours trading following the announcement. (Click where to see what the stock is doing now.)
Click here to read the full report from WSJ.