Shareholders back campaign to keep Cadbury independent
18th January 2010
Cadbury’s shareholders have told Unite that they want to keep
the company independent and will reject any higher bids from
Kraft.
Following the circulation of its briefing document for
shareholders last week, Unite has received dozens of messages from
Cadbury investors anxious about Kraft’s hostile bid for the
confectionery maker.
According to Unite, the shareholders' response underlines that
there are real fears that Kraft's bid does not have the best
interests of workers, investors or UK business at heart, such
as:
- “The whole ethos of Cadbury would be destroyed and yet another
British company will be plundered and jobs lost.” said Mr and Mrs
M.
- “As a retired business man I feel the most important issue is
to preserve the jobs of every Cadbury employee in the present
economic environment”. said WF.
- “I would like to register the fact that I personally reject the
Kraft offer and hope that everyone else does. Cadbury must at all
costs remain a standalone company!” said Ms A M.
- “Shareholders do have a responsibility to employees. Good
luck.” said GW.
- With Kraft’s deadline to increase its takeover bid for Cadbury
looming tomorrow (Tuesday 19th January), Unite is urging other
Cadbury shareholders to stand with fellow shareholders to prevent a
hostile takeover.
Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for food and drink, said:
"Shareholders are telling us to say they fear for Cadbury's future
if Kraft is able to force through this predatory bid.
"How can it be that a great British success story can be so
easily targeted by a debt-heavy, under performing company?
"We urge all Cadbury shareholders to put the future of the
company, its proud history and great future, before this short-term
offer. When the question is asked 'What is good for
Cadbury?', the only intelligent answer is 'independence'."
The union is continuing to urge Cadbury-lovers to sign the
campaign petition today at: www.welovecadbury.com
ENDS
For press enquiries please contact Karen Viquerat or Pauline
Doyle in the Unite press office.
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