Detroit staples Kar's Nuts and Sanders chocolates merge

(WJBK) - It's a very sweet deal for those who love these famous salty snacks and these sugary treats.

"We're moving more from healthy snacking to indulgent, but on a premium end," said Nick Nicolay, of Kar's Nuts.

They are two iconic Detroit snack brands coming together Wednesday in the announcement of a merger: Kar's Nuts and Sanders fine chocolatiers.

"We felt very comfortable with this transaction because another Detroit company is involved," said Brian Jefferson, CEO of Sanders.

Kar's Nuts was made famous by their nuts and sweet and salty trail mixes and Sanders, known for its confectionary products and chocolates. CEO of Kar's -- Nick Nicolay says -- the merger is a little outside of the company's usual products but that's what he wanted.

"It's worked pretty well for us with our little purple bag of sweet and salty mix for many years," Nicolay said. "Now we're excited to have the candy side of it as well."

Both companies are expected to benefit. Nicolay will be CEO of the combined company, based in Madison Heights, says he wants to expand on Sanders' product innovation capabilities, while CEO of Sanders, Brian Jefferson says, Kars' nation distribution opportunities will expand his brand.

Neither company expects to get rid of their most popular products anytime soon because of the merger. 

"It is not only going to stay but we are going to have some product innovations as well," Jefferson said.

Both companies have deep roots in Detroit. Sue Kar, who roasted peanuts in her home to sell, founded Kar's Nuts in Detroit in 1933. And Fred Sanders Schmidt opened his first candy shop in Detroit in 1875... Nicolay says the two companies will still work independently but cross-over in unique ways.

"Certainly the employees of Sanders won't feel any different," Nicolay said. "Where there will be real crossover will probably be on the sales and marketing side."

Jefferson, who plans to stay until the two companies are integrated also says, there won't be any lay-offs and with 600 employees combined, he says they will need more.

"Production people, warehouse people, it will be all hands on deck so good stuff," Jefferson said.