Loss of Cadbury's Independence 'Very Sad' Day for UK Manufacturing, Says Unite

LONDON, January 19 - The successful bid by US giant Kraft for Cadbury marks a "very sad day
for UK manufacturing", Unite the union said today.

Kraft is thought to have persuaded large institutional shareholders that
an increased bid for Cadbury is enough to swap a 200-year history of
growth and independence for a place within the conglomerate's growing
portfolio.

Unite says that the increased bid, an estimated GBP12 billion, and the
continued exclusion of workers and key shareholders from the takeover
consultation, means its concerns for Cadbury's future and the future of
nearly 7000 workers in the UK and Ireland very much remain.

Jennie Formby, Unite's national officer for food and drink, said: "This
is a very sad day for UK manufacturing. A successful, iconic, independent UK
brand will now be owned by a giant company with massive debt.

"We have very real fears about how Kraft will repay its debt,
particularly as it has ratcheted it up still further in order to purchase
Cadbury. Whatever good intentions Kraft may have towards Cadbury's workforce,
the sad truth is there will be an irresistible imperative to pay down their
debt, and this raises real fears for jobs and investment in this country.

"There are huge lessons to be learned from this takeover for UK business.
Short-term City interests and institutional shareholders have dictated this
process from the outset with little thought to the impact this sale will have
on jobs, the supply chain or Cadbury's future. Unless our takeover
regulations are changed, there is nothing the government or employees can do
to prevent this happening again to another UK company.

"We will now be seeking urgent meetings with the senior management of
both Kraft and Cadbury seeking guarantees over jobs and sites in the UK and
Ireland to put our members' fears at rest."

For further information, please contact Pauline Doyle on +44(0)7976-832-861