The Kellogg cereal business, an iconic Michigan brand, is being sold to Ferrero, an Italian chocolate and sweets company.

U.S. sales of the colorfully packaged morning staple have been in a decades-long decline, a trend back in the spotlight with news that Italian confectioner Ferrero Group plans to purchase WK Kellogg, maker of Corn Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and other familiar brands.

A two-vehicle crash claimed the life of a Battle Creek man in Marshall Township early Thursday morning. At around 6:20 a.m., the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Verona Road and H Drive in Marshall Township.

Kellogg, the maker of such brands as Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and Raisin Bran, began business in 1906 as the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Co., before becoming Kellogg Toasted Corn Flake Co. in 1909.

The deal, which still needs approval from WK Kellogg Co.’s shareholders, is expected to close in the second half of the year.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WILX) - Ferrero Rocher, the Italian candy company and Nutella owner, is close to purchasing Michigan cereal company WK Kellogg, reports the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ reported Wednesday that the $3 billion deal could be finalized this week. CNBC reported that WK Kellogg shares jumped 50% after the WSJ article.

A temporary road closure will affect a section of Michigan Avenue in downtown Battle Creek on Thursday, July 10, and Friday, July 11.