(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission on Monday approved US candy giant Mars' 23-billion-dollar purchase of Wrigley, finding that the deal would not threaten competition.

"The commission has concluded that the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition," Europe's top antitrust watchdog said in a statement.

Mars announced plans with Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway in April to buy chewing gum maker Wrigley in a deal that could shake up the global industry.

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