UPDATE 1-Hershey joins Ferrero in talks on Cadbury -WSJ

* Hershey in talks with Italy's Ferrero on Cadbury bid

* Talks have been on for several weeks, no offer yet

NEW YORK, Nov 17 (Reuters) - U.S. chocolate maker Hershey
Co (HSY.N) has held talks for several weeks with Italy's
Ferrero Spa over a potential bid for Cadbury Plc CBRY.L that
would rival a hostile offer from Kraft Foods Inc (KFT.N), The
Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the Journal said
Hershey executives have been more aggressive about pursuing a
deal, though financial details have not been discussed and no
offer has been produced.

One obstacle is which company would take control of
Cadbury's higher-margin gum and candy businesses, the Journal
said.

Hershey officials could not be immediately reached.
(Reporting by Michele Gershberg, editing by Matthew Lewis)