"While capitalism is efficient, it may be unreasonable that a few individuals with weeks of share ownership can determine the lifetime destiny of many," Carr said.

He suggests that bids should only succeed if at least 60% of shareholders back the move, not just a majority, which is currently the case. "Any share that changes hands in a formal offer period would carry no voting rights until the offer period is over," he proposes further.

For a businessman whose success is built on takeovers, it's a surprising re-evaluation. Cadbury grew as a result of its own acquisitions - for example, Green & Blacks - and even during the Kraft bid, Carr was considering deals with Ferrero and Hershey. 

Cadbury will be removed from the London Stock Exchange listings after 8th March.