Confectionery company Mars has finalised an agreement to purchase KIND North America, the manufacturer of Kind snacking bars.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

In 2017, Mars acquired a minority stake in Kind and the latest deal builds on this relationship.

Mars CEO Grant F Reid said: “When we began this partnership, I said it was one built on mutual admiration and a shared vision for growth.

“After three years, you can see the impact, as together we have grown the healthy snacking category and brought KIND and the KIND Promise to 35 countries and into new categories.

“We’re delighted to continue to build on this success.”

According to the agreement, KIND North America will join KIND International and operate as individual business entities under the Mars Family of Companies.

KIND founder and executive chairman Daniel Lubetzky will continue to be associated with the company, as well as focus on the development and expansion of KIND into new categories and geographies.

Lubetzky will also retain an ongoing financial stake in the company.

Lubetzky said: “I am so proud of how well the Mars and KIND teams have complemented and strengthened each other over the past three years.

“We are now well-positioned to further advance our efforts and continue building a foremost health and wellness platform.

“As we said in 2017, Mars is a company that shares KIND’s passion for business as a force for good, and I am confident that together, we will be able to make our small contribution to make this world a little kinder.”