Under the direction of Klaus Johann Jacobs, who took over the company in 1970, Jacobs expanded into other fields. It merged with the Swiss chocolate company Interfood in 1982 to form Jacobs Suchard, and bought the American Brach's Candy in 1987, among other acquisitions.
With Klaus Johann Jacobs at the helm in 1970, Jacobs embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy. The company merged with Swiss confectionery firm Interfood in 1982 to create Jacobs Suchard, and subsequently acquired American Brach's Candy in 1987, as part of a broader effort to diversify its portfolio.