Wrigley and Orkla bids for CSM

Wrigley and Norwegian conglomerate Orkla are in the running for the confectionary business of Dutch food company CSM, according to people familiar with the situation. Wrigley, best known for its chewing gum brands, and Orkla, a conglomerate with interests in consumer goods, chemicals and finance, are competing against several financial buyers for the CSM assets, these people told Dow Jones Newswires. Second-round bids in the auction were due Wednesday. A winner is expected to be chosen later this month. Buyout companies still in the race include the UK s CVC Capital Partners and 3i Group , as well as France s PAI and Sweden s Nordic Capital, these people said. Executives at Wrigley, Orkla and PAI declined to comment. CSM is selling its consumer-focused confectionary division to focus on its business-to-business activities in bakery products and food ingredients. The unit is expected to fetch between €750m and €800m.