ANN DURBIN Breakfast cereal could use a lucky charm. U.S. sales of the colorfully packaged morning staple have been in a decades-long decline, a trend back in the spotlight with news that

Kellogg, the maker of such brands as Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies and Raisin Bran, began business in 1906 as the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Co., before becoming Kellogg Toasted Corn Flake Co. in 1909.

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