Byline: Tom Dochat

Oct. 10--The Hershey Co.'s controlling stockholder has noted its displeasure with Hershey's recent financial performance, saying its holdings have lost more than $1 billion in market value over the past 15 months.

In a statement released more than a week after the announced retirement of the company's CEO, The Hershey Trust Co. also reiterated its commitment to maintaining control of the candymaker and in helping Hershey improve its bottom line.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site Tuesday afternoon that representatives of the trust board met with Cadbury Schweppes PLC to discuss a possible merger of the two companies. ...