Hive Bidco, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of US confectionery firm Mars, has signed an agreement to acquire Hotel Chocolat, a UK chocolate manufacturer and retailer, in a deal worth £534 million ($663 million). Hotel Chocolat established its first store in North London nearly two decades ago, subsequently expanding to over 130 UK locations. The firm also has a presence in Japan and the Caribbean. Commenting on the acquisition, Mars Snacking …