Monday, April 28, 2008

Chocolate Coating The Wrigley Building

On the banks of the Chicago River stands a white confection of stone. The Wrigley Building, an icon of the city, is as white as a stick of spearmint gum, pure and pristine like sugar, standing high and tall.

On the banks of Oak Park Avenue in Chicago stands another iconic structure, a composition of nougat-hued brick and caramel-colored roofing tiles. Not a high-rise, but a low slung chunk of brown and tan; from here comes the chocolate goodness that is the M&M and the Snickers and the Three Musketeers.

The earth beneath Chicago is quaking. Two behemoth firms, two key figures in the city's mammoth candy industry, are talking about joining forces.

Mars, the biggest chocolate manufacturer in the world. Wrigley Company, the most famous gum maker on the planet. United in one fold, one sweet and delectable firm, churning out snacks and refreshments and giving the York peppermint patty a run for its minty money.

The Wrigley family has owned the namesake firm since it was begun in time for the World's Columbian Exposition, but with billions of dollars at stake, they have apparently decided to take the cash and leave the Juicy Fruit.

The firm's headquarters on Michigan Avenue will go as part of the proposed deal. Will Mars have an urge to coat the glittering white gem in a rich chocolate coat, to better reflect their main product?

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