BRUSSELS, March 8 (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators

will decide by April 15 whether to clear Coach parent Tapestry's

$8.5 billion acquisition of Michael Kors owner Capri

Holdings ( CPRI ), according to a European Commission filing.

Tapestry sought EU approval on Wednesday for the deal that

would create an American fashion powerhouse to challenge larger

European rivals such as Paris-listed LVMH for a bigger

share of the global luxury market.

The European Union's competition enforcer can clear the deal

with or without conditions after a preliminary review or open a

four-month investigation if it has serious concerns.

Capri's brands include Versace and Jimmy Choo, while

Tapestry owns Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman.