BRUSSELS, May 30 (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators

gave unconditional approval on Thursday to U.S. investment firm

KKR's 22-billion-euro ($24 billion) acquisition of

Telecom Italia's (TIM) fixed-line network.

The deal is significant as it marks the first time that a

big telecoms operator in a major European country is divesting

its landline grid, potentially paving the way for others to

follow suit.

The Commission's announcement confirmed a Reuters' story

last week.

($1 = 0.9245 euros)