In an effort to expand its footprint in China, Hershey Co. (NYSE: HSY) said in a statement Thursday that it will acquire Chinese candy maker Shanghai Golden Monkey Food Joint Stock Co. The People’s Republic is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for sweets, and Hershey has increased its investment in the country over the past several years.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but the Pennsylvania-based company said its wholly owned subsidiary, Hershey Netherlands, will acquire 80% of privately held Shanghai Golden Monkey (SGM), which is based in Shanghai and sells such goods as honey-peach hard candies and Xylitol-branded chewing gum. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014 and is subject to Chinese regulatory and SGM shareholder approval.

Hershey has become one of the fastest growing confection companies in the Asian nation. Hershey officials said the company hopes to expand international sales to 25% of global sales by 2017. It is currently 10% of global sales. Revenue for SGM has been growing by double-digit percentages and is expected to reach $225 million for 2013. About 75% of SGM net sales come from its candy segments, with the rest concentrated in the fast growing protein-based bean products and other snack categories. Overall sales of chocolate, candies and gum in China was estimated at near $13 billion in 2012.

Humberto P. Alfonso, president of Hershey International, said:

Shanghai Golden Monkey is the type of business we’ve been focused on for potential M&A. It fits Hershey’s acquisition criteria: it is located in our primary international market, China; it is a pure play confectionery and snacks company; and it has distribution into channels where Hershey products have yet to penetrate. Additionally, the company has a strong history of innovation and product quality as evidenced by the outstanding reputation of its core brand, Golden Monkey, which has been nationally recognized as one of China’s most iconic brands.

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