Who Owns Mars: Top Shareholders

Mars is one of the largest privately-owned companies in the world. It is best known for its chocolates like M&M’s, Snickers, and Mars bars. But it is also a global player in pet care, chewing gum, and food products. In this article, we explore who owns Mars, how the company grew, and what major businesses it operates today.

Mars Company Profile

Mars, Incorporated is a private, family-owned American multinational conglomerate with major operations in confectionery, pet care, snacks, food, and animal health. As of 2025, Mars ranks among the top 5 largest privately-held companies in the world, with over $52 billion in annual revenue and operations in more than 80 countries.

The company is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, and employs over 140,000 associates globally. Mars operates through several major business segments:

• Mars Wrigley: Candy, gum, and chocolate brands
• Mars Petcare: Pet food, veterinary services, diagnostics, and pet technology
• Mars Food & Nutrition: Rice, sauces, and plant-based food products
• Mars Edge: Nutrition science and health innovation

Mars is also a global leader in veterinary services, owning thousands of animal hospitals, including Banfield, VCA, AniCura, and BluePearl.

Founders of Mars

Mars was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars in Tacoma, Washington. He started by selling homemade buttercream candies from his kitchen. His son, Forrest Mars Sr., later played a crucial role in scaling the company to an international business.

Key founders and figures in Mars history:

• Frank C. Mars: Original founder, developed the first products and laid the foundation.
• Forrest Mars Sr.: Son of Frank; joined the company in the 1920s and created the Milky Way bar (1923), Snickers (1930), and Mars bar (1932 in the UK).
• Forrest Mars Jr., John Mars, and Jacqueline Mars: Children of Forrest Sr.; continued to grow the company and became some of the wealthiest individuals in the U.S.

Major Milestones

Here are some of the most significant milestones in the growth of Mars:

• 1911: Frank C. Mars starts the company in Tacoma, Washington.
• 1923: Forrest Mars invents the Milky Way bar, the first major hit.
• 1930: Launch of the Snickers bar, named after the family horse.
• 1932: Mars bar is introduced in the United Kingdom.
• 1941: Mars and Bruce Murrie create M&M’s, originally for soldiers in WWII.
• 1960s–1970s: Entry into pet food with acquisitions like Chappie, Pedigree, and Whiskas.
• 1980s: Expansion into rice and sauces with Uncle Ben’s (now Ben’s Original).
• 2001: Acquisition of Royal Canin, a leading pet nutrition brand.
• 2008: Mars acquires Wrigley for $23 billion, creating the world’s largest confectionery company.
• 2014: Acquires IAMS and Eukanuba from Procter & Gamble.
• 2017: Purchases VCA Inc., a major veterinary care provider, for $9.1 billion.
• 2020–2022: Full acquisition of Kind Snacks, expanding into healthy snacking.
• 2023–2025: Continued investment in pet genomics, diagnostics, and nutrition, along with expansion of veterinary services in Asia and Europe.

Mars in 2025 is not only a global confectionery powerhouse but also a healthcare and nutrition leader for both humans and animals. Its strategy focuses on long-term growth, sustainability, and innovation across multiple consumer sectors.

Who Owns Mars Inc: Largest Shareholders

Mars Incorporated is owned entirely by the Mars family. Unlike publicly traded companies with shareholders, Mars operates as a privately held entity where ownership lies within the family. The Mars family members are the sole beneficiaries of the company’s profits and decision-making authority.

The largest shareholder in the company is Jacqueline Mars, the granddaughter of Franklin Clarence Mars, the founder of the company.

Alongside her, her brother John Mars also has a significant ownership stake. Ownership is divided among other family members as well—including descendants of Forrest Mars Jr., Jacqueline and John’s late brother.

Here’s a list of the major shareholders of Mars as of August 2025:

Jacqueline Mars

Jacqueline Mars is one of the three primary heirs of the Mars empire and holds approximately one-third ownership in Mars, Incorporated. She is the daughter of Forrest Mars Sr., who helped transform Mars into a global company. Jacqueline was formerly active in the company’s operations, especially in product development, but she is now retired and focuses on philanthropy and board advisory.

Her stake gives her substantial influence over corporate governance, including board composition and strategic direction. While she is not involved in day-to-day management, her input is respected within family and executive discussions.

John Mars

John Franklyn Mars, Jacqueline’s brother, also holds close to one-third of the company. He played a more active business role in the past, serving as chairman and leading the company through key mergers and expansions, including the acquisition of Wrigley in 2008.

Although now retired, John Mars is still an important figure in company affairs. His legacy and continued ownership provide him with a strong influence over high-level decisions. Like other Mars family members, he is committed to maintaining the company’s private and independent structure.

Victoria Mars

Victoria B. Mars is the daughter of Forrest Mars Jr. (deceased) and a fourth-generation family member. She owns a significant stake in the company, estimated to be part of the third one-third shared among the children of Forrest Jr. and other family members.

Victoria served as Chairman of Mars, Incorporated from 2014 to 2017 and played a leading role in professionalizing corporate governance within the company. Though no longer Chairman, she remains a powerful voice on the board and in family ownership councils.

Other Mars Family Members

The remaining shares—estimated to be around one-third—are distributed among other descendants of Forrest Mars Sr., particularly the children and grandchildren of Forrest Mars Jr., who passed away in 2016. This includes:

• Pamela Mars-Wright
• Valerie Mars
• Marijke Mars
• Frank Mars (5th generation)
• Family trusts and estates.

Each of these individuals owns minority portions, but collectively, they control a substantial portion of the business. Most serve in advisory roles or sit on the family council that interfaces with the board and executives.

Mars Family Trusts and Holdings

In 2025, a considerable part of the company’s ownership is held through Mars family trusts. These legal entities manage the family’s wealth, dividends, succession planning, and voting rights.

These trusts are structured to:

• Keep shares within the family
• Ensure long-term ownership continuity
• Enable centralized decision-making through appointed trustees.

The trusts do not function as external investors. Instead, they protect the company’s private nature and allow Mars to avoid public shareholder pressures.

Who is the CEO of Mars?

As of 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of Mars, Incorporated is Poul Weihrauch. He assumed the role in September 2022, becoming the first non-family CEO of the company in over a decade. Poul brings decades of experience in global business leadership and has guided Mars through a new phase of growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Poul Weihrauch: Background and Leadership Style

Poul Weihrauch is a seasoned executive with a strong track record at Mars. Before becoming CEO, he led Mars Petcare, one of the company’s most profitable divisions. Under his leadership, the Petcare segment grew into a global leader in pet nutrition, veterinary services, and diagnostics.

He is known for:

• Focusing on sustainability and responsible growth
• Supporting digital transformation across all business units
• Expanding Mars’ presence in Asia and Europe
• Driving innovation in health, nutrition, and pet technology.

Weihrauch has prioritized a purpose-driven strategy for Mars, aligning business objectives with long-term societal impact, including climate action and human-animal health initiatives.

Executive Decision-Making at Mars

While Poul Weihrauch leads daily operations as CEO, Mars uses a hybrid governance model. The Mars family retains ownership and sits on the board, working alongside non-family executives. This structure allows for professional management while preserving the family’s values and long-term vision.

Major strategic decisions—such as mergers, acquisitions, and new market entry—are made with input from both the executive leadership team and the Mars family board representatives. The CEO works closely with these bodies to implement the company’s multi-generational goals.

Past CEOs of Mars

Mars has had a small number of CEOs in its modern history, reflecting the company’s long-term leadership philosophy:

• Grant Reid (2014–2022): Led Mars through acquisitions like Kind Snacks and growth in pet healthcare. Known for his focus on culture and sustainable sourcing.
• Paul Michaels (2004–2014): Oversaw the acquisition of Wrigley and helped expand the company’s global reach.
• Stephen Badger (Chairman 2011–2020): A Mars family member who served as Chairman and influenced leadership decisions, though he was not CEO.

Each leader helped transform Mars from a candy company into a global enterprise spanning multiple industries.

The Role of the CEO in Mars’ Future

Under Poul Weihrauch’s leadership, Mars is expected to:

• Increase investments in pet health technology
• Expand further into plant-based and functional foods
• Strengthen supply chain sustainability
• Accelerate digital transformation across all sectors

His leadership marks a continued shift toward a more diversified and future-facing Mars, while still preserving the company’s family-owned identity.

Mars Annual Revenue and Net Worth

In the fiscal year ending mid‑2024 into early 2025, Mars reported annual net sales of approximately $55 billion.

This increase reflects strong performance across confectionery, pet care, food and nutrition segments. The company saw growth driven by expanded international operations and continued momentum in its pet care division.

It also invested heavily in manufacturing capacity, including a $2 billion U.S. expansion plan through 2026. This expansion aligns with its branded portfolio strength and rising demand for pet health and snacking products.

The $55 billion figure is supported by public reporting in early 2025, ahead of the planned acquisition of Kellanova, which will further increase scale when finalized during 2025.

Revenue Growth Drivers

Mars experienced consistent demand across its core categories. The pet care segment continued to flourish due to growing consumer spending on pet health and veterinary services.

Meanwhile, its snacking and confectionery divisions benefited from global expansion and innovation. Notably, the acquisition of Kellanova (owner of Pringles, Pop‑Tarts, and other brands) is set to boost Mars’ snacking revenue significantly, with analysts projecting combined sales could reach $63 billion, placing Mars second only to Nestlé in global food sales.

Mars Net Worth

Although Mars is privately owned and does not have a public market valuation, analysts estimate its enterprise value at around $190 billion as of August 2025.

This valuation is supported by peer-based multiples and private market comparisons in food and beverage and pet care industries. It marks a significant upward revision from prior estimates of $133–$140 billion, positioning Mars as even more financially powerful among private corporations.

Analysts estimate that the Mars family’s collective net worth—based on private valuations, financial performance, and wealth rankings—is in the range of $117 billion to $134 billion as of early 2025. This places the Mars family among the wealthiest globally.

Strategic Investments and Financial Outlook

Mars continues to invest heavily in capital projects that support growth. As of mid‑2025, the company committed an additional $2 billion to expand U.S. manufacturing, building on over $6 billion spent in recent years on domestic plant upgrades and new facilities.

These investments support brands like Nature’s Bakery and Royal Canin, and will help scale production to meet global demand.

Projections into 2026 and beyond anticipate elevated revenue levels. Following the expected integration of Kellanova, Mars could surpass $60 billion in annual sales, with enterprise value remaining robust under family ownership. Its focus on petcare, sustainability, and product innovation positions it for long‑term financial resilience.

Market Share and Competitors

Mars stands out in its dominance of multiple industries. In confectionery, it holds a strong 18 percent global share; in pet care, it captures about 20–25 percent, and together with Kellanova, it holds 8.5 percent in U.S. snacks alone.

Its scale, brand depth, and diversification across high‑growth sectors give it an edge over both traditional giants and innovative newcomers.

Confectionery Market

In 2025, Mars holds an estimated 18 percent share of the global confectionery market, placing it second behind Mondelēz International, which leads with approximately 22 percent.

Mars remains well ahead of Hershey in the premium chocolate space. The global confectionery market is projected to total $ 214 billion in 2025, with Mars accounting for a significant portion through its core brands like M&M’s, Snickers, and Milky Way.

Mars’ strategy of launching limited‑edition variants and functional snacking products has helped it capture incremental share, such as the rapid adoption of M&M’s Caramel, which gained a 5 percent share in the filled chocolate sub‑category within six months.

Pet Care Market

Mars Petcare continues to dominate the global pet care industry. As of mid‑2025, it leads the market alongside Nestlé Purina and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Together, the top three hold 50–60 percent market share, with Mars Petcare alone capturing roughly 20–25 percent of that figure.

It operates a vast footprint of veterinary clinics, diagnostics labs, and pet nutrition brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin, and VCA in global markets.

Approximately 60 percent of Mars’ total revenue, which is around $54–55 billion, comes from the pet care segment. This reflects its transformation into a dominant force in both pet nutrition and veterinary services.

Snack Market Position Post‑Kellanova Acquisition

Following the massive $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, Mars now controls combined annual snacks and packaged‑foods revenue estimated at $63 billion. In the U.S. snack market, Mars and Kellanova together hold approximately 8.5 percent share, coming in just behind PepsiCo’s 9.1 percent.

This expanded presence cements Mars as a top global snack player, second only to Nestlé in overall food and beverage sales.

Competitors Across Industries

Mars faces varied competitors depending on the business segment.

In confectionery, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, and Hershey are primary rivals, each with strong regional or product‑level leadership.

In pet care, its major competitors are Nestlé Purina PetCare and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, both of which hold significant market share and broad distribution networks.

Emerging direct‑to‑consumer brands like Freshpet, The Farmer’s Dog, and other premium pet startups add competitive pressure, though many remain niche compared to Mars’ scale.

Additional competitors in the broader food and snack space include Kraft Heinz, Panera Bread (in ready‑to‑eat segments), General Mills, and remnants of Cadbury under Mondelez in certain markets.

Mars also faces rising competition from sustainable, holistic, and tech‑driven pet wellness brands that target premium and health-conscious consumers.

Companies Owned by Mars

Mars Incorporated is more than just candy. Its sprawling portfolio includes brands across confectionery, pet care, and packaged foods. Here’s a list of the major brands and companies owned by Mars as of August 2025:

Mars Wrigley

Mars Wrigley is Mars’ confectionery division and one of the largest candy companies in the world. It was formed after Mars acquired Wrigley in 2008 and merged the two in 2016. It produces some of the most recognized global candy and gum brands, including M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, Skittles, Orbit, Extra, and Starburst. It also owns the Altoids and Life Savers brands. This division leads Mars’ chocolate, gum, and mint categories across more than 180 markets.

Royal Canin

Acquired by Mars in 2001, Royal Canin is a premium pet nutrition company headquartered in France. It specializes in breed-specific and veterinary-recommended diets for cats and dogs. Royal Canin is distributed in more than 90 countries and is a leading brand in veterinary clinics, often prescribed for animals with specific health needs.

Banfield Pet Hospital

Mars owns Banfield, the largest general veterinary practice in the U.S., with over 1,000 hospitals. Banfield focuses on preventative care and wellness plans and operates within PetSmart locations as well as stand-alone clinics. It plays a central role in Mars’ expansion into the animal healthcare industry.

VCA Inc.

Acquired by Mars in 2017 for $9.1 billion, VCA operates over 1,000 veterinary hospitals across North America. VCA provides general and specialized veterinary services and diagnostics and continues to run under its original branding. It represents Mars’ largest footprint in clinical pet healthcare.

AniCura

AniCura is a European network of veterinary clinics, hospitals, and diagnostic centers acquired by Mars in 2018. Operating in more than 15 countries, AniCura offers advanced veterinary services and plays a major role in Mars’ expansion in Europe’s veterinary health sector.

Kind Snacks

Kind was fully acquired by Mars in 2020 after a partial stake in 2017. Kind is known for its clean-label snack bars made from nuts, fruits, and grains. With health-conscious consumers in mind, Kind has expanded into cereals, protein bars, and frozen treats. Mars has made it a central part of its move into the better-for-you snack category.

Nature’s Bakery

Acquired in 2020, Nature’s Bakery produces wholesome snacks including fig bars, oat snacks, and brownies. The brand is positioned as a plant-based, non-GMO, family-friendly product line. It is widely distributed in U.S. supermarkets and supports Mars’ efforts in the health and wellness snack space.

IAMS

Mars purchased IAMS from Procter & Gamble in 2014. It is one of the most recognized pet food brands globally and offers dog and cat food tailored to life stage, breed size, and dietary needs. IAMS is sold in mass retail channels and continues to be a core part of Mars Petcare’s mid-range product portfolio.

Eukanuba

Also acquired from Procter & Gamble in 2014, Eukanuba is a premium pet food brand targeting performance nutrition for active and working dogs. It is popular among breeders, agility dog communities, and professionals and complements Royal Canin’s veterinary line with a focus on high-protein and endurance-based diets.

Whiskas

Whiskas is a globally recognized cat food brand owned by Mars Petcare. It offers both wet and dry food, snacks, and meal pouches. Whiskas has strong market positions in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and is often positioned as an affordable yet balanced daily nutrition option for cats.

Pedigree

Pedigree is one of the largest dog food brands in the world, owned by Mars. It is a mass-market brand offering dry food, wet food, and treats for dogs. Pedigree is widely distributed and promoted globally, making it a key brand in Mars’ global pet food dominance.

Sheba

Sheba is Mars’ premium wet cat food brand, targeting owners who seek gourmet-style meals for their pets. It is known for its sleek packaging and upscale product presentation. Sheba is a fast-growing brand in markets such as the U.S., UK, and Japan.

Dreamies (Temptations in U.S.)

Dreamies (known as Temptations in the U.S.) is a leading cat treat brand owned by Mars. It dominates the cat treat segment with its crunchy outside and creamy inside formula. The brand is a top seller in North America and Europe and is marketed with playful branding and digital campaigns.

Greenies

Greenies is a dental treat brand for dogs and cats under Mars Petcare. It is recommended by veterinarians and is especially known for promoting oral health through its texture and formulation. Greenies is part of Mars’ broader strategy of functional pet snacks.

Wisdom Panel

Wisdom Panel is a genetic testing service for dogs and cats, owned by Mars Petcare through its science and diagnostics division. It provides breed identification, health screening, and trait analysis and is integrated into Mars’ pet health strategy.

Mars Food & Nutrition

This division includes food products such as Ben’s Original (formerly Uncle Ben’s), Dolmio (pasta sauces), and Seeds of Change (organic grains and sauces). It operates in the ambient food category and complements Mars’ presence outside of confectionery and pet care.

Ben’s Original

Formerly Uncle Ben’s, this rice and grain brand was rebranded by Mars in 2020. Ben’s Original offers ready-to-heat rice packs, flavored rice, and grains. It is a staple in North American and European pantries and part of Mars’ ambient food offerings.

Dolmio

Dolmio is a pasta sauce brand owned by Mars, primarily sold in the UK, Europe, and Australia. It includes red sauces, white sauces, and meal kits and is positioned as a family-friendly brand with traditional flavors.

Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change offers organic rice, grains, and cooking sauces. It is positioned for health-conscious consumers looking for USDA-certified organic and sustainable ingredients. The brand also supports community gardening and sustainable farming initiatives under Mars’ sustainability goals.

Nutro

Nutro is a natural pet food brand owned by Mars, focusing on clean recipes made with non-GMO ingredients. Nutro offers grain-free and limited-ingredient diets and appeals to pet owners seeking simple, natural nutrition options.

Cesar

Cesar is a wet dog food brand targeted at small-breed dogs. It is known for gourmet-style trays with real meat ingredients and is marketed with premium positioning in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Kellanova (2025 Acquisition – Integration in Progress)

In 2025, Mars announced the acquisition of Kellanova, a global snack and cereal powerhouse that includes brands such as Pringles, Pop-Tarts, Nutri-Grain, Rice Krispies Treats, and Eggo. The acquisition is expected to complete by late 2025, making Mars one of the largest snack companies in the world. These brands are being integrated into Mars’ snacking division and will significantly expand its global shelf space.

Conclusion

Mars is not just a chocolate company—it’s a global giant in pet care, food, and health. The answer to “who owns Mars” is simple yet powerful: the Mars family. They maintain full control over the business, making Mars one of the largest and most successful family-owned companies in the world. With over a century of growth and innovation, Mars continues to expand while keeping its operations private and family-driven.

FAQs

Who owns Mars chocolate?

Mars Chocolate is owned by Mars, Incorporated, a private American company. It is fully controlled by the Mars family, who are the sole owners of the corporation. Mars chocolate is part of the Mars Wrigley division, which also includes other major confectionery brands.

What is the Mars family’s net worth?

As of August 2025, the Mars family’s net worth is estimated at approximately $126 billion. This makes them one of the richest families in the world. Their wealth is derived almost entirely from their ownership of Mars, Incorporated, which remains privately held.

Who owns Mars company?

Mars, Incorporated is entirely owned by the Mars family. It is not a public company and has no outside shareholders. The family has kept ownership within its lineage for over a century, maintaining full control over its decisions, strategy, and profits.

What does Mars own?

Mars owns a wide range of businesses and brands across several sectors:

• Confectionery: Snickers, M&M’s, Mars Bar, Twix, Skittles, Orbit
• Petcare: Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin, Banfield, VCA, IAMS
• Snacks: Kind, Nature’s Bakery, soon-to-be Kellanova (including Pringles and Pop-Tarts)
• Food: Ben’s Original, Dolmio, Seeds of Change
• Diagnostics & Genetics: Wisdom Panel, Antech Diagnostics

Is Mars made by Cadbury?

No, Mars is not made by Cadbury. Mars and Cadbury are entirely separate companies. Mars is American and owned by the Mars family, while Cadbury is British and currently owned by Mondelez International.

Is the Mars company owned by Nestlé?

No, Nestlé does not own Mars. Mars is an independent, privately held company. Nestlé is a separate Swiss multinational and one of Mars’ primary competitors in both confectionery and petcare.

Who owns Cadbury and Mars?

Cadbury is owned by Mondelez International, while Mars is owned by the Mars family through Mars, Incorporated. The two companies are independent and direct competitors in the global chocolate and snack market.

Which company made Mars chocolate?

Mars chocolate was created by Mars, Incorporated, originally founded by Frank C. Mars. The Mars bar was developed in 1932 by his son, Forrest Mars Sr., in the UK.

Is Mars bigger than Cadbury?

Yes, Mars is significantly larger than Cadbury in terms of revenue, brand portfolio, and global operations. While Cadbury mainly focuses on chocolate and candy, Mars has diversified into pet care, food, veterinary services, and health diagnostics.

Is Milky Way a Mars brand?

Yes, Milky Way is a Mars brand. It is one of the oldest products in the Mars chocolate line, first launched in 1923. In some regions, the Milky Way bar differs in recipe and branding, but it remains a Mars-owned product globally.

Is Mars British or American?

Mars, Incorporated is an American company founded in Tacoma, Washington, in 1911. Although it operates globally and has a strong presence in the UK, its headquarters are in McLean, Virginia, USA.

Is Mars bigger than Coca-Cola?

No, Coca-Cola is currently larger than Mars in overall global revenue. However, Mars is a top private company and dominates the petcare and confectionery industries. With the 2025 acquisition of Kellanova, Mars is closing the gap in the food and snack sector.

Does Mars own Snickers?

Yes, Snickers is owned by Mars, Incorporated. It is one of the best-selling candy bars in the world and part of the Mars Wrigley confectionery division.

What are all the companies owned by Mars?

Mars owns companies in pet care, candy, food, and health services. Major companies include Mars Wrigley, Royal Canin, VCA Animal Hospitals, Banfield, Kind Snacks, and Nature’s Bakery.

What are the major brands owned by Mars?

Some of the top brands are M&M’s, Snickers, Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin, Skittles, Orbit, Kind, and IAMS.

Is Mars an American company?

Yes, Mars is an American company headquartered in McLean, Virginia. It was founded in Washington state in 1911.

Is Mars a private company?

Yes, Mars is a fully private company owned entirely by the Mars family. It is not publicly traded.

What’s the list of Mars subsidiaries?

Mars subsidiaries include Mars Wrigley, Mars Petcare, Royal Canin, Banfield Pet Hospitals, VCA, Kind Snacks, Nature’s Bakery, Eukanuba, and AniCura.