Dec 9 (Reuters) - Cadbury-parent Mondelez International ( MDLZ )

is exploring the acquisition of chocolate maker Hershey

, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people

familiar with the matter.

Mondelez ( MDLZ ) has made a preliminary approach about a possible

combination, Bloomberg reported.

Mondelez ( MDLZ ) had a market capitalization of roughly $84

billion, while Hershey was valued at $35 billion as of Friday

close.

Shares of Hershey rose 17%, while those of Mondelez ( MDLZ ) were

down about 4%.

Spokespeople for Mondelez ( MDLZ ) and Hershey did not

immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil

D'Silva)