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EU antitrust regulators pause investigation into Mars' $36 billion Kellanova deal
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on July 29, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Home > Headlines > EU antitrust regulators pause investigation into Mars' $36 billion Kellanova deal
Quick Summary
EU regulators have paused their investigation into Mars' $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, awaiting crucial data from the companies.
EU Regulators Halt Mars' $36 Billion Kellanova Acquisition Review
By Foo Yun Chee
BRUSSELS (Reuters) -EU antitrust regulators paused their investigation into candy maker Mars' $36 billion bid for Pringles maker Kellanova on Tuesday while they await data requested from the companies.
The European Commission, which acts as the competition watchdog for the 27-country bloc, last month opened a full-scale investigation into the deal, warning that it could result in price increases.
"The 'clock' in merger investigations can be suspended if the parties fail to provide, in a timely fashion, an important piece of information that the Commission has requested from them within a prescribed deadline," the Commission said in an email.
The investigation will resume with a new decision deadline once the companies have handed over the information. The previous deadline was October 31.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission approved the deal unconditionally last month.
(Reporting by Foo Yun CheeEditing by David Goodman)
Key Takeaways
- •EU regulators have paused the investigation into Mars' acquisition of Kellanova.
- •The European Commission is awaiting important data from the companies.
- •The investigation's deadline will be reset once data is received.
- •The U.S. FTC has already approved the deal unconditionally.
- •The deal could potentially lead to price increases, according to the Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions about EU antitrust regulators pause investigation into Mars' $36 billion Kellanova deal
1What did EU antitrust regulators do regarding Mars' acquisition?
EU antitrust regulators paused their investigation into Mars' $36 billion bid for Kellanova while awaiting requested data from the companies.
2Why did the European Commission open a full-scale investigation?
The European Commission opened a full-scale investigation into the deal due to concerns that it could result in price increases.
3What happens when the 'clock' in merger investigations is suspended?
The 'clock' can be suspended if the parties fail to provide important information requested by the Commission in a timely manner.
4What was the previous deadline for the investigation?
The previous deadline for the investigation was October 31, which will be updated once the companies provide the necessary information.
5Did the U.S. Federal Trade Commission approve the deal?
Yes, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission approved the deal unconditionally last month.
