BRUSSELS, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Candy and snacks giant Mars'

$36 billion bid to acquire Pringles maker Kellanova ( K ) is set

to clear a major hurdle by winning unconditional European Union

antitrust approval, three people with direct knowledge of the

matter said.

The deal, among the biggest in the sector, would bring under

one roof brands ranging from M&Ms, Snickers and Whiskas cat food

to Pringles crisps, Pop-Tarts and Kellogg's ( K ) cereals. It has

already secured a green light without any conditions from U.S.

authorities.

The European Commission, which warned in June that the deal

could lead to price hikes and may boost Mars' negotiating power

with retailers, has subsequently found insufficient legal

grounds to demand concessions, the sources said.

The Commission, the EU's competition enforcer, declined to

comment, as did Mars and Kellanova ( K ). An EU decision on the deal

is due by December 19.

A combined Mars and Kellanova ( K ) would account for roughly 12%

of the U.S. snacking and candy industry, according to market

share data from NielsenIQ.