Breakup in the cereal aisle: Kellogg Company splits into Kellanova and WK Kellogg Co

Kellogg Company is splitting in to two independently traded companies, spinning off their global snacking business into Kellanova and North American cereal brand into WK Kellogg Co.

The company unveiled the new names in March 2023, but the company's board of directors approved the plan to separate on Monday. The separation is effective Oct. 2, according to the company's press release.

What can consumers expect?

On shelves, consumers can still expect the Kellogg's brand packaging for both companies around the world. While the new companies will have different logos, they will still maintain the recognizable red color text with iconic "K."

Kellanova will include the company's popular collection of cereal brands − Kellogg's, Frosties, Zucaritas, Special K, Krave, Miel Pops, Coco Pops, and Crunchy Nut. They will also include well-known snacks such as Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats, MorningStar Farms, Incogmeato, Gardenburger, Nutri-Grain, RXBAR, and Eggo.

The portfolio for WK Kellogg Co will also include Kellogg's, as well as Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Mini-Wheats, Special K, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Kashi, and Bear Naked.

On the New York Stock Exchange, Kellogg Company will be renamed Kellanova and continue trading under the ticker symbol, "K," and WK Kellogg Co will begin trading under "KLG."

What's in a name?

Steve Cahillane, the future chairman and chief executive officer of Kellanova, said the name signals the company's future ambition while building on the 117-year legacy of the Kellogg Company.

The word "Kell" is a nod to the company, paired with "anova" which combines "a" and the Latin word "nova" which means new, he said.

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Gary Pilnick, designated CEO of WK Kellogg Co, said its name honors the legacy of the company's founder, W.K. Kellogg. He said they removed the periods in the same "to signal the start of a new, unwritten chapter."

"The logo itself stems from the iconic signature of Mr. Kellogg," said Pilnick.