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LONDON, March 14 (UPI) -- Nelson Peltz's stake in Cadbury Schweppes PLC may lead the U.S. financier to push the candy maker to ditch its soft-drinks brands, analysts say.
The former owner of Snapple Beverage Corp. "is certain to agitate for change" and could seek a company breakup, splitting the company into two pieces: a confectionery maker and a soft-drinks company, Britain's Independent quoted several analysts as saying.
Cadbury said Peltz and his partners Tuesday bought 2.98 percent of the maker of Cadbury chocolate, Trident chewing gum, 7-Up and Dr Pepper soft drinks, among other brands.
The drinks division, which accounts for about 50 percent of the company's operating profit, has 17 percent of the U.S. market share. Its non-carbonated drinks include Snapple and Yoo-hoo beverages.
A split-up could clear the way for a large consumer-goods company to buy the confectionery business, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Cadbury has been at the center of talk it could be a target for a rival such as Kraft Foods Inc., Hershey Co. or PepsiCo, the newspaper said.
A spokesman for Pepsi declined to comment. Spokesmen for Kraft and Hershey didn't respond to requests for comment.
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