The Italian confectionery group is competing with U.S. food companies Kraft Heinz Co and Mondelez International Inc.

Private equity firms Bain Capital LP, KKR and FinTrek Capital Hong Kong Ltd were also admitted to the second round of bids, sources told Reuters last month, adding the sale could fetch close to $3 billion (£2.3 billion).

The international portfolio of Campbell Soup includes its Australian biscuit brand Arnott's and Danish baked snacks maker Kelsen Group.

"Ferrero, which has already a plant in Australia, is interested in Arnott's brand and factories," the source said.

Ferrero declined to comment on the issue.

(Reporting by Francesca Landini; editing by Agnieszka Flak)