Mars receives final regulatory approval, moves to close acquisition of Kellanova, maker of Pringles, Cheez-It and other snacks
Mars, Incorporated has received its final regulatory clearance for the pending acquisition of Kellanova, the maker of Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts and other global snack brands, the companies announced Tuesday. With unconditional approval from the European Commission now in hand, all required regulatory approvals for the transaction have been obtained.
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, and secured the final approval of all 28 required regulatory authorities on Dec. 8, 2025. Following completion of the deal, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, Kellanova’s common stock will be delisted and will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Mars and Kellanova said they expect to close the acquisition on Dec. 11, 2025. Once completed, Kellanova’s expansive snacking portfolio — including Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Pop-Tarts®, Rice Krispies Treats®, RXBAR® and Kellogg’s international cereal brands — will join Mars’ existing lineup of major brands such as SNICKERS®, M&M’S®, TWIX®, SKITTLES®, EXTRA® and KIND®.
Following the acquisition, Mars said its combined snacking division is expected to generate about $36 billion in annual revenue and will include nine brands valued at more than $1 billion each. Mars Snacking will remain headquartered in Chicago and operate in more than 145 markets with a workforce exceeding 50,000 employees. The expanded operation will manage 80 global production facilities and more than 170 retail locations, including Hotel Chocolat and M&M’S World stores.
“We are excited to have received final regulatory approval for the pending acquisition of Kellanova,” said Poul Weihrauch, CEO and Office of the President of Mars, Incorporated. “Our focus now turns to welcoming Kellanova employees to Mars and creating an even more innovative global snacking business that delivers greater choice and quality to more consumers around the world.”
“Today marks an extraordinary milestone and the culmination of years of work for many of our Associates,” said Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking. “We can’t wait to welcome Kellanova talent to Mars and create a shared, global snacking leader with a beloved range of brands. We’ve said all along that Mars Snacking and Kellanova will be better together, building on the strength of our respective legacies and capabilities to unlock new possibilities and drive growth.”
Steve Cahillane, Chairman, President and CEO of Kellanova, added: “This combination will bring together two purpose-driven and principles-led companies. Serving as Kellanova’s Chairman, President and CEO has been a true honor, and I’m looking forward to seeing Kellanova people and brands thrive as part of Mars Snacking.”
