Mars completes $36B Kellanova acquisition

McLean-based candy and pet care giant Mars announced Thursday that it has completed its $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, the maker of food products like Pringles, Pop-Tarts and Cheez-Its.

Now that the transaction has closed, Kellanova’s products — including Pringles, Rice Krispies Treats, Pop-Tarts and Cheez-Its — will fall under the Chicago-based Mars Snacking umbrella, along with Mars candy brands such as M&Ms  Skittles, Snickers and Twix.

The addition of Kellanova also expands the portfolio of Accelerator, a division of Mars Snacking, with brands like RXBAR, Nutri-Grain bars and Special K bars.

“Today marks a transformative moment, and I’m excited to welcome Kellanova to Mars,” said Global President of Mars Snacking Andrew Clarke in a statement. “United by more than a century of pioneering new categories and building iconic brands, Mars and Kellanova are joining forces to shape the future of snacking. With more than 50,000 Mars Snacking Associates and partners around the world, we’re now positioned to bring consumers more of the brands they love and new innovations — while continuing to advance our sustainability commitments and invest for the long term.”

Mars first announced the acquisition in August 2024 and it received Kellanova shareowner approval on Nov. 1, 2024.

The European Union announced Sunday that its antitrust watchdog, the European Commission, concluded after an in-depth investigation that the acquisition would not raise competition concerns in Europe.

The acquisition received all required regulatory approvals by Dec. 8.