BRUSSELS, May 19 (Reuters) - European Union antitrust

regulators will decide by June 25 whether to clear Mars' $36

billion takeover of Pringles maker Kellanova ( K ), according to

a European Commission filing.

Family-owned candy giant Mars announced the deal in August

last year that will bring together brands from M&M's and

Snickers to Pringles and Pop-Tarts under one roof.

The U.S. packaged food sector is experiencing a wave of

consolidation as companies seek scale to weather the impact of

inflation-weary consumers cutting back and shifting their

purchases to private label brands.

The EU antitrust enforcer can clear the deal with or without

remedies during its preliminary review or it can open a

four-month long investigation if it has serious concerns.

The companies are seeking to close the deal by August this

year but could extend the deadline by up to 12 months if they do

not receive the necessary regulatory approvals by then.

The deal should be able to withstand regulatory scrutiny due

to limited overlaps between the companies, legal experts said.

Media reports suggest that some European retailers have raised

concerns with the Commission, which may prompt demands for

concessions but not derail the deal.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)