Cadbury

Shadow Business Secretary Ken Clarke is to visit Cadbury to hold talks with Kraft bosses over the Birmingham-based firm’s future.

Investors have until February 2 to decide on a 840p-a-share offer from the US food conglomerate.

The Unite union has written to Cadbury’s shareholders urging them to reject Kraft’s £11.9bn offer.

Mr Clarke said it was essential that any future management maintained its tradition and recognised its capabilities and the commitment of its workforce.

“I am prepared to believe Kraft have bought this business in order to develop it and not to damage it,” he added. “I hope to visit Birmingham shortly to receive such assurances as I can that the traditions of the company and the workforce will be preserved by its new owners.”

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has pledged to do hold Kraft to the undertakings that have been given, but has admitted he is powerless to stop the US firm sacking workers.

Announcing the deal on Tuesday, Cadbury chairman Roger Carr conceded there would be job losses.

Unite argues that despite Kraft having boosted its original offer by 15 per cent, the deal is “bad news” for workers and shareholders alike.