HERSHEY, Pa., Dec 28, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with Simon & Schuster, Inc. regarding publication of the book "Hershey: Milton S. Hershey's Extraordinary Life of Wealth, Empire and Utopian Dreams." Pursuant to terms of the agreement, Simon & Schuster, Inc. will add a statement to the book's cover expressing that the book is not authorized by The Hershey Company. Hershey had filed a civil action on December 16, 2005, alleging that use of its trademarks and trade dress on the book's cover infringed on the Company's rights and would create public confusion.

In commenting on the settlement agreement, Burton H. Snyder, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, The Hershey Company, said, "We're pleased that Simon & Schuster, Inc. has agreed to add a clarifying statement to the book's cover. A similar disclaimer already added by online retailers on their websites will further help protect our trademarks and trade dress by making it clear that this book is not sponsored or licensed by The Hershey Company."

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 and Hershey's Cookies. In addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, and PayDay Pro. It also markets Hershey's cocoa, Hershey's syrup and other branded baking ingredients, toppings and beverages. In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets premium chocolate offerings, including Scharffen Berger, known for its high-cacao dark chocolate products, and Joseph Schmidt, recognized for its fine, handcrafted chocolate gifts. Visit us at http://www.hersheynewsroom.com.

SOURCE The Hershey Company

Kirk Saville of The Hershey Company, +1-717-534-7838

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