FACTBOX-Big-ticket mergers in the packaged food space over the years Aug 14 (Reuters) - Snickers-maker Mars inked one of the biggest deals in the packaged food industry when it said it would buy Cheez-It owner Kellanova K.N in a $35.9 billion deal on Wednesday. Dealmaking in the packaged food sector has been robust as companies seek scale to weather the impact of price inflation and weight-loss drugs weighing on demand.

UPDATE 8-Mars to buy Pringles maker Kellanova for $36 billion in 2024's biggest deal All-cash deal for $83.50 per Kellanova share Acquisition expands Mars' snacking platform Shares up nearly 8% in early trade Adds more background on Mars and Kellanova from paragraphs 17-25 By Anirban Sen, Savyata Mishra, Jessica DiNapoli and Abigail Summerville NEW YORK, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Family-owned candy giant Mars is buying Cheez-It maker Kellanova K.N in a nearly $36 billion deal, bringing together brands

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FOCUS-Mars' mulled deal for Kellanova should withstand regulatory scrutiny By Abigail Summerville Aug 7 (Reuters) - Mars' contemplated acquisition of U.S. snack maker Kellanova KHC.O stands a good chance of getting past global antitrust regulators, legal experts say, even as it touches on a sensitive area of government oversight -- how much consumers pay for food.