PITTSBURGH, PA - The news at first might seem sweet to fans of Clark candy bars. The bankrupt New England Confection Co., which manufactures the confection conceived in Pittsburgh more than a century ago, was sold Thursday to Spangler Candy for $18.8 million.

But although that move likely saves the bankrupt company's Necco Wafers signature product, candy industry observers say it doesn't necessarily mean that Clark bars are a part of Spangler's long-term plans. That leaves the future of Clark bars uncertain.

"It has been speculated that the sugar candies like Necco Wafers and Sweethearts will be their focus," CandyStore.com wrote on its website. "Chocolate brands like Clark bars and Sky Bars might not make the cut. If they decide to focus on the sugar line, a sale of the chocolate brands to a chocolate-focused candy company seems likely."