WK Kellogg on Thursday agreed to be bought by the owner of Ferrero Rocher in a deal worth around $3.1 billion, uniting two of the world's most recognizable consumer brands to weather a tough spending backdrop marked by persistent inflation.

The Ferrero Group said Thursday it will buy WK Kellogg Co. in a deal valued $3.1 billion, expanding the Italian food giant's global reach. Kellogg, which was founded in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1906, is known for brands including Corn Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and Special K. Ferrero's brands include Nutella and Rocher chocolates.

The $3.1 billion acquisition would combine Ferrero, which makes Tic Tacs and Nutella, with the producer of Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops.