Mondelez International, Deerfield, IL, today announced that it has acquired Enjoy Life Foods, a private U.S. snacking company based in Schiller Park, IL, that offers more than 40 products—including cookies, chocolate, snack bars and savory snacks—that are allergy-friendly and gluten-free. The transaction was a simultaneous sign-and-close deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“As we focus on continuing to drive growth in snacking, the acquisition of Enjoy Life Foods is a great strategic fit for us," says Mark Clouse, chief growth officer at Mondelez International. “The Enjoy Life brand expands our portfolio into faster-growing, on-trend, 'better-for-you' areas and provides an excellent platform to make these delicious offerings available to consumers with 'free-from' needs or simply looking for healthy-lifestyle options, both in the United States and beyond."

"We're thrilled!,” says Scott Mandell, CEO and founder of Enjoy Life Foods. “As we combine our great brand, market leadership and passion for our consumers with the global resources, scale and marketing expertise of Mondelez International, I'm confident this relationship will enable us to reach even greater heights.”

Mandell and other members of the Enjoy Life leadership team will continue to lead the company. Mondelez International will operate Enjoy Life Foods as a separate, wholly-owned subsidiary to continue to nurture its entrepreneurial spirit, but will provide back-office support and access to its global resources.

For more about Enjoy Life Foods, check out "Enjoying gluten-free treats" and "Baking treats the gluten-free way" in the May 2014 issue of Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery.