The Italian confectioners' company PRFETTI (700 million euro turnover in 1999) is to make a 606 million euro public bid for 63% of the capital that it still does not hold in the Dutch firm VAN MELLE ("Mentos" and "Fruitalla" sweets; 448 million euro turnover in 1999). This operation will give rise to Europe's number two and the world's number six in chewing-gums and sweets, with an annual turnover of 1.2 bn euro. The Italian firm is offering 55 euro for each VAN MELLE share in circulation,...