Mexico City — Mexican confectionery and baking giant Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V. has purchased Dulces Vero, maker of lollipops, gummies, caramels and marshmallows.

Through its Barcel division, the acquisition will strengthen Grupo Bimbo’s positioning in both the Mexican and U.S. confectionery markets, the company states.

Vero posted about $85 million in sales in 2009, and is said to operate an extensive wholesale channel network, which Grupo Bimbo says will add value in the U.S. market, where the company aims to continue to expand distribution of Hispanic candy.