WK Kellogg on Thursday agreed to be bought by the owner of Ferrero Rocher in a deal worth around $3.1 billion, uniting two of the world's most recognizable consumer brands to weather a tough spending backdrop marked by persistent inflation.

The Italian candy maker behind Ferrero Rocher and Nutella is nearing a roughly $3 billion deal to buy the breakfast-cereal conglomerate WK Kellogg, according to people familiar with the matter. Ferrero,

WK Kellogg, the maker of iconic American cereal brands, will be folded into the privately held owner of Nutella and Tic Tacs in a $3.1 billion deal.