EU Clears Mars’ Acquisition of Kellanova
Final regulatory approval sets up a Dec. 11 closing and unites two major snacking portfolios
Mars, Incorporated and Kellanova, announced that Mars has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its pending acquisition of Kellanova. As a result, all required regulatory approvals and clearances for the pending transaction have been obtained.
Mars and Kellanova anticipate closing the pending transaction on Dec. 11, 2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. Upon close, Kellanova’s portfolio of snacking brands, which includes Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, RXBAR and Kellogg’s international cereal brands, will join the existing Mars Snacking portfolio, which includes beloved brands like SNICKERS, M&M’S, TWIX, SKITTLES, EXTRA and KIND.
Following the close of the pending transaction, Mars expects the combined Snacking business to generate around $36 billion in annual revenues, with a portfolio that includes 9 billion-dollar brands. Mars Snacking will continue to be headquartered in Chicago, and will operate in more than 145 markets, serving millions of consumers. Powered by a team of more than 50,000 Associates, it will operate 80 global production facilities and more than 170 retail outlets like Hotel Chocolat and M&M’S World.
The parties announced on Aug. 14, 2024, that they had entered into a definitive agreement under which Mars agreed to acquire Kellanova. The pending transaction received Kellanova shareowner approval on Nov. 1, 2024. The pending merger received the final of all 28 required regulatory approvals and clearances on Dec. 8, 2025. Following the completion of the pending transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, Kellanova’s common stock will be delisted and will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
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