Mars Food, the European arm of Virginia-based Mars Inc, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Preferred Brands International, based in Connecticut. The deal is expected to close by the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approvals.

Preferred Brands International, a manufacturer and marketer of ready-to-heat Indian and Asian food products, in turn, owns a majority stake in subsidiary Tasty Bite Eatables which manufactures the ready-to-eat products under the brand name Tasty Bite in Pune, India. The Economic Times reports that the subsidiary will continue to be listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange after the acquisition.

Mars Food Global President Fiona Dawson said, “Tasty Bite is a fast-growing Indian/Asian dinner time brand. Upon closing of the acquisition, Mars Food will expand our all-natural vegetarian offerings in the U.S. and leverage Tasty Bite’s strong product development pipeline, flavor expertise and strategic sourcing of quality ingredients throughout our portfolio.”