BRUSSELS, Sept 17 (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators

have resumed their investigation into candy maker Mars' $36

billion bid for Pringles maker Kellanova ( K ), setting a

December 19 deadline for their decision, according to an update

on the European Commission website.

The Commission, which acts as the EU competition enforcer,

temporarily halted its probe in late July while waiting for the

companies to provide requested information.

It opened a full-scale investigation in June, warning that

the deal could lead to price hikes and may boost Mars'

negotiating power with retailers.

The deal, among the biggest in the sector and already

cleared unconditionally in the United States, would bring brands

from M&Ms, Snickers and Whiskas to Pringles, Pop-Tarts and

Kellogg cereals under one roof.