The Finnish packaging group Huhtamaki Oyj has sold its confectionery trademark portfolio to Highlander Partners, a U.S.-based investment company. Related to the sale, an after taxes gain of approximately USD 16 m will be booked as an item affecting comparability (IAC) during the second quarter of 2018.

Highlander Partners takes over the intellectual property, trademarks and associated licensing agreements and royalties for a portfolio of U.S. chocolate and sugar confectionery brands that include Jolly Rancher, Payday, Whoppers, Heath, Milk Duds, Sixlets, Good & Plenty, Zero, Chuckles, and Good & Fruity.

Huhtamaki is a global specialist in packaging for food and drink. With the network of 76 manufacturing units and additional 24 sales only offices in altogether 34 countries, the group well placed to support our customers' growth wherever they operate. Mastering three distinctive packaging technologies, approximately 17,600 employees develop and make packaging that helps great products reach more people, more easily. In 2017 our net sales totaled € 3.0 bn. www.huhtamaki.com.